What Happened: The Impact of Overturning Roe v. Wade
Exploring legal changes, patient harms, and practical next steps
In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, ending nearly 50 years of federal constitutional protection for abortion rights. This landmark decision reshaped how pregnancy-related medical care is delivered across the country. In its wake, many states enacted strict laws limiting or banning abortion access, creating uncertainty for patients and healthcare providers alike.
Confusion over what constitutes "life-saving care" has delayed emergency treatment in numerous cases. Patients suffering pregnancy complications have reported being turned away or forced to wait until conditions became critical. These delays have caused severe harm, sparking public outcry, federal investigations, and ongoing lawsuits.
Who’s Affected?
Pregnant patients
Those facing complications like miscarriage, hemorrhage, or ectopic pregnancy.
Families
Partners and relatives experiencing trauma from loss of care or preventable outcomes.
Healthcare providers
Doctors and nurses forced to navigate conflicting state laws vs. patient needs.
Communities
Rural and low-income populations with fewer hospital options and travel burdens.
Symptoms and Harms from Denied Care
When emergency pregnancy care is delayed or denied, harms can escalate rapidly:
Physical
- Severe abdominal pain
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Infection or sepsis
- Infertility risk
Emotional
- Trauma from medical neglect
- Depression or anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress
Societal
- Strain on ERs
- Unequal access to care
- Increased maternal mortality rates
Eligible Claim Types
Legal actions vary depending on circumstances but may include:
- Medical malpractice: Failure to provide timely emergency care
- Negligence: Harm caused by delays, denials, or misinformation
- Emotional distress claims: Mental health consequences from withheld treatment
- Civil rights claims: Alleging discrimination or denial of equal protection
Timeline of Events
1973: Roe v. Wade establishes federal abortion rights.
2010s: States begin passing restrictive laws testing Roe’s limits.
2022: Roe overturned, returning abortion regulation to individual states.
2023–present: Conflicting laws cause delays in emergency pregnancy care nationwide.
Practical Next Steps
If you or a loved one were harmed by denied emergency pregnancy care, take these steps:
1. Gather Medical Records
- Emergency room notes
- Lab and imaging results
- Prescriptions and discharge summaries
2. Document Your Experience
- Dates and times of visits
- Healthcare provider names
- Details of symptoms and treatment offered or refused
3. Seek Ongoing Treatment
Continue medical care to address lingering issues and create a complete record of harm.
4. Consult with a Legal Professional
Speak with counsel experienced in reproductive rights and medical malpractice to evaluate your options.
Start Your Free Case Check
If you or a loved one has been harmed by denial of emergency pregnancy care, Pursuing.com can help. Our team documents your experience, connects you with others facing the same issues, and matches you with reproductive rights counsel. Start your free case check