The overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court has resulted in reactions all over the United States and international countries. Despite not feeling “directly” impacted by the inaccessibility of reproductive healthcare, the ripple effects are also detrimental.

What can we expect to occur in future state legislation post-Roe v. Wade?

With abortion no longer being a federal right, nearly 50% of US states are likely to ban such a medical procedure. In states that ban safe abortions, options are limited to either following through with an unsafe abortion, having a child, or traveling out of state (if one has the financial means). This leaves millions of people seeking abortions in a difficult situation.

It is reported that nearly 40% of abortion recipients are African-American women. In conservative states, which are more likely to vote against abortions, black and brown women are struck the most. Due to the income and healthcare disparities between black and brown women vs their white counterparts, it is these black and brown women who are expected to undergo unsafe abortions. Such unsafe abortions put these women in life-threatening situations.

What can we expect to occur in foreign nation policy post- Roe v. Wade?

The United Nations claimed the actions of the United States Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade “completely disregarded” the primary interests of the American people. This is further supported by 61% of Americans who believe that abortion should and must be legal.

This setback is to have grave effects on nations, primarily in Latin America, Asia, and Africa.

Though a conservative continent, Latin America has made some strides in regard to abortion. In fact, Mexico has ensured to not criminally charge people receiving abortions. Yet, at the same time, Mexico has not made the process of abortion legal. This indicates that many people seeking for abortions in Mexico are partaking in unsafe abortions, causing once again, risk to their lives.

The United States, known to be far less conservative in reproductive health policies, setting forth such an extremist overruling, can impact international countries to either speed up their process in allowing abortions, or in most cases, do the complete opposite.