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Healthcare Policy/Economics

Poster Session 3

(685) Patient Perceptions Post Dobbs Decision

Wednesday, February 14, 2024
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM  
Location: Prince George's Exhibit Hall CDE, Lower Atrium Level
Objective: In June 2022, the Supreme Court ruled in Dobbs v. Jackson’s Women’s Health Organization that the constitution does not confer a right to abortion. The objective of this study was to evaluate patients’ perceptions and concerns regarding this ruling.

Study Design: Reddit, a website for user-generated content and discussions, was searched for all communities specifically related to pregnancy. Each community was then searched for posts relating to the Dobbs v. Jackson case using key words “Roe v Wade” and “Dobbs.” Thematic analysis was then performed using qualitative data analysis software.

Results: A total of 5 posts with 1,061 associated comments were included. 102 commenters were currently pregnant. The most common emotions mentioned were sadness (82 posts), fear (76), and anger or disbelief (74). Many commented on uncertainties regarding the meaning of the new laws and possible future effects. Inequity and financial privilege were mentioned often (30), specifically relating to some not being able to travel outside of their state to receive necessary care. Many women currently or previously had high-risk pregnancies (54) and the maternal risks in a hypothetical future high-risk pregnancy was noted frequently (72). Many posts discussed plan changes (71), including moving to different states and decreasing family size goals. Additional common posts related to traveling out of state for abortion or emergency care (50), and others reported interest in moving before pursuing pregnancy (17).  Fifteen posters listed a concern of lack of autonomy to pursue abortion if a severe anomaly was seen on early ultrasound. Posts including misinformation were rare (9) and few users urged others to speak to their obstetrician for clarification (15).

Conclusion: Patients feel afraid, angry, and sad after the Dobbs v. Jackson decision. Inequity, uncertainty, and hypothetical future high-risk pregnancies were discussed often. Unintended effects include families electing to move to different states or changing their family planning goals.