Restrictive abortion policies can have wide-ranging effects beyond access to care. A new research brief from Resound Research for Reproductive Health highlights how recent Texas abortion bans—including Senate Bill 8 (SB8)—have impacted the mental and emotional health of young people seeking abortion care.
The brief brings together findings from two studies:
- A population-based analysis, which found that reports of frequent mental distress among women aged 18–29 in Texas rose significantly after SB8.
- A qualitative study based on interviews with Texans who traveled out of state for abortion care, which revealed feelings of fear, uncertainty, and emotional isolation.
These findings emphasize that policy changes can shape not only access to care but also the broader health and wellbeing of those affected.
📖 Read the full research brief here: How Texas Abortion Bans Affect Mental and Emotional Well-Being