The Vitality of Abortion Access in the United States: Intersectional Effects on Women’s Health, Socioeconomic Status, and Social Justice

Authors: Brianna Chavez, Jenean McGee

SUNY Campus: Stony Brook University

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: UU 108

Presentation #: 84

Timeslot: Session D 3:00-4:00 PM

Abstract: This research examines the intersectional effects of abortion access on women’s health, socioeconomic status, and social justice in the United States. By analyzing historical contexts and legal milestones, from Roe v. Wade to Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, it explores how shifts in abortion legislation have intensified barriers, particularly for marginalized communities including women of color, women in healthcare deserts, and women with low socioeconomic status. This research utilizes historical analysis, reviewing court rulings, legislative shifts, and public health data, alongside extrapolation techniques to assess future implications of restrictive abortion policies. The paper argues that equitable access to abortion is not only a fundamental health issue but also an essential determinant of social and economic mobility, with vast implications for women’s autonomy and inherently their life outcomes. By highlighting the need for comprehensive women’s healthcare, this essay advocates for sociopolitical reforms in hopes of creating a more equitable healthcare system. To best resolve these inequities, policymakers, healthcare providers, and activists must work collaboratively to implement protective legislation and expand reproductive healthcare services, ensuring all women gain and maintain autonomy over their bodies and futures.