Manatt Health Associate Julian Polaris and Managing Director Naomi Newman published an opinion piece for MedPage Today about the evolving and uncertain legal landscape for health care providers and pregnant people seeking abortion services across state lines following the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization.
The authors described the variability in state laws restricting access to abortion, the uncertainty for providers and other stakeholders as they navigate this legal minefield, and the ripple effects these “Ban States’” policies are creating beyond the direct prohibition of abortion services.
Legal uncertainty has resulted in higher costs for providers and decreased access for individuals seeking these services. “In both Ban States and Access States, reproductive healthcare providers are struggling to balance the goals of minimizing their legal risks while preserving patient access to care,” the authors stated. “Providers are incurring additional costs as they consult legal experts, draft policies and procedures, and train staff on strategies to minimize legal risks.” Moreover, providers in Access States are grappling with an influx of patients traveling in from Ban States, which can strain capacity for Access State residents seeking reproductive health services.
Read the complete opinion piece here.