Abortion Bans as Targeted Marginalization

Examining Socioeconomic Consequences and Counseling Implications

Bywater, Allison R.
Ali, Saba Rasheed
Prass, Megan A.

Department of Psychological and Quantitative Foundations, University of Iowa

Susan Jane Simonian served as action editor.

The authors have no known conflicts of interest to disclose.

Allison R. Bywater played a lead role in writing–original draft and writing–review and editing and an equal role in conceptualization. Saba Rasheed Ali played a supporting role in writing–review and editing and an equal role in conceptualization. Megan A. Prass played a supporting role in writing–review and editing.

Allison R. Bywater, Department of Psychological and Quantitative Foundations, University of Iowa, 240 South Madison Street, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States [email protected]

Received February 10, 2024

revised September 2, 2024

Accepted November 11, 2024

Professional Psychology: Research and Practice Publish Ahead of Print, February 27, 2025. | DOI: 10.1037/pro0000613

This article examines the economic and marginalizing impacts of abortion bans in the United States following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade. We explore how varying state-level restrictions impact economic stability and access to employment, particularly for already marginalized groups such as low-income individuals and people of color. Additionally, we highlight the broader socioeconomic consequences of forced pregnancy and restricted abortion access, including financial strain, reduced career opportunities, and long-term economic instability. By focusing on these issues, this article aims to shed light on the intersection of reproductive rights, marginalization, and economic hardship and to propose counseling and research strategies to address these challenges.