Abortion restrictions as a form of cascading collective trauma

Abstract

Reproductive coercion, sexual violence, and intimate partner violence are rooted in patriarchal norms, and represent serious physical and mental health threats. Reproductive coercion is typically characterized by interpersonal behaviors that undermine autonomous reproductive decision-making. Anti-choice legislation (e.g. the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the United States Supreme Court) represents state-sanctioned reproductive coercion. This position paper aims to explore how anti-choice abortion legislation has contributed to a cascading collective trauma, an event that fundamentally changes part of society and creates a large-scale existential crisis of meaning and identity. This perspective was developed through critical reflection of abortion legislation, mental health outcomes, and theories of trauma. Persons who can become pregnant may consider abortion restrictions as an existential threat to their bodily autonomy and a reminder of their vulnerability to gender-based violence. Being denied an abortion is associated with increased mortality risk, hence abortion restrictions may represent a mortality reminder experienced by all persons who can become pregnant. For health-care providers, the discrepancy between their ethical principles and penalties related to abortion restrictions could result in moral injury. Identifying the psychological impacts of government-sanctioned policies is critical for the promotion of advocacy and trauma-informed care for all persons capable of pregnancy.