57% of Black Women of Reproductive Age Live Under Abortion Bans in the US - Report
A recent report by the National Partnership for Women & Families (NPWF) and the non-profit organization In Our Own Voice reveals that more than half of Black women in the United States of reproductive age live in states with abortion bans or restrictions. The report, as highlighted by NBC News, follows the overturning of Roe v Wade in June 2022.
Key Findings: - Approximately 6.7 million Black women, nearly 57% of those aged 15 to 49, reside in the 26 states that have restricted or banned abortion. - Many Black women in these states are reconsidering family planning decisions and contemplating relocation to states with fewer restrictions. - A significant portion of Black mothers also live in states with abortion bans or restrictions, facing increased financial challenges. - 2.7 million Black women in these states are deemed “economically insecure,” lacking resources to travel for abortion care. - 70% of uninsured Black women and 49.8% of those using Medicaid as primary insurance are impacted by these restrictions.
Jocelyn Frye, NPWF President, indicated that addressing the barriers faced by Black women could help mitigate issues experienced by other demographics. The report also connects states with abortion restrictions to higher maternal mortality rates, disproportionately impacting Black women.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, abortion access has become a significant voting issue among Black women. A poll by the KFF health policy research organization found that 28% of Black women voters consider abortion their top voting issue. Moreover, 77% of Black adults believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases, according to the Our Own Voice report.
Topics Covered
- Abortion bans
- Impact on Black women
- Economic insecurity
- Maternal mortality rates
- Voting issues and public opinion
This article focuses on delivering key details and relevant statistics to inform readers, maintaining a neutral and factual tone.