Longitudinal Impact of <i>Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization</i> on Abortion Service Delivery in Ohio, 2022‒2023.

Abstract

<b>Objectives.</b> To assess the impact of Ohio's abortion policy changes on abortion provision following <i>Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization</i>. <b>Methods.</b> We analyzed quantitative and write-in responses from an ongoing survey of 6 abortion facilities in Ohio for 3 time periods: January‒June 2022 (pre-<i>Dobbs</i>), July‒September 2022 (6-week ban in effect), and October 2022‒June 2023 (post-<i>Dobbs</i>, ban blocked). We disaggregated counts by method, gestation, and state of residence. <b>Results.</b> Following <i>Dobbs</i>, Ohio banned abortions after detection of embryonic cardiac activity, and monthly abortion provision decreased 56%. Several months after the ban was lifted, monthly abortion means exceeded pre-<i>Dobbs</i> means. The percentage of patients from out of state increased over time. <b>Conclusions.</b> The post-<i>Dobbs</i> enactment of a restrictive abortion ban drastically reduced availability of reproductive health care in Ohio. Nevertheless, Ohio remained an important destination for patients from surrounding states with abortion restrictions. <b>Public Health Implications.</b> Gestational bans decrease access to necessary health care; instead, states like Ohio should work to eliminate barriers to abortion care to support the health and well-being of people in their own and surrounding states. (<i>Am J Public Health</i>. 2024;114(10):1034-1042. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307775).