Objectives: To determine the health and socioeconomic consequences of comprehensive abortion denial in Rhode Island.
Methods: Using Turnaway Study findings and RI abortion data from 2013-2016, we project the burden of negative outcomes for women and their families under 100% abortion denial conditions.
Results: Findings suggest negative impacts on the health and socioeconomic well-being of RI women and their families. 982 and 910 women, who would have otherwise received an abortion, will report anxiety and depression, respectively, at one-week post abortion denial, and 1,499 will report receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding at six months post denial.
Conclusions: If women who would seek a safe and legal abortion in RI are denied one, clear and undue burden will exist for those who carry to term and raise the child, as well as affecting existing children.
Keywords: Rhode Island; abortion denial,; health; outcomes; women.