Roe v. Wade overturned: What it means

Gina Nebesar

The Supreme Court has voted to overturn Roe v. Wade, removing federal constitutional protections to abortion, and leaving the decision up to each state. Though the federal ruling has changed, the need for women to have safe access to care has not. New restrictions could impact decisions related to a woman’s health and lifelong decisions related to family planning.

Accessing quality care is a family issue

As cofounder of Ovia Health, which serves millions of people navigating their reproductive health and parenting journeys, and as a mom of three myself, I empathize that the parenting decision is deeply personal and must be one of the most challenging moments of a person’s life. It’s a decision that some make for themselves, and some make for their existing families. 

Building and caring for a family is challenging, especially for families who already face barriers to care including low income and access to quality care. 60% of abortion patients are already mothers (CDC 2019), and close to half are living below the poverty level. Many parents simply don’t have access to equitable maternal care, affordable childcare, paid parental leave, quality lactation rooms, flexible work options, and family-friendly work environments.

Moms deserve better 

Safe access and quality care are important to addressing maternal death and mental health disorders, impacting the wellbeing of the entire family. There are many challenges and barriers to quality, accessible healthcare on the path to and through parenthood, including: 

  • Health knowledge and coverage deficits, which negatively impact equitable access and adherence to contraceptive care
  •  Inadequate maternity care: 7 million women in the U.S. live in areas without access to quality maternity care
  • The maternal mortality rate: The U.S. leads the developed world in maternal mortality 
  • Women of color are 3x as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes
  • Inadequate family leave:  Less than one in four workers in the U.S. have access to paid family leave to recover from childbirth, breastfeed, and bond with their child without the fear of financial insecurity 
  • Lack of access to childcare:  83% of parents struggle to find quality, affordable childcare, limiting their earning potential and careers 

Families and children deserve more — they deserve to not only survive, but to thrive.

Filling the gaps in your care 

Ovia Health’s digital solution for reproductive health, pregnancy and parental wellbeing is designed to fill gaps in care and empower members to make proactive, informed decisions about their health.  We’ll continue to provide evidence-based programs to navigate these critical health and life stages to millions of people, available as a covered benefit at over 2,000 employers nationwide, and at no cost to individuals.

As a women’s health ambassador, I’ve dedicated my career to building technologies that break down barriers to self-advocacy and care. During this pivotal moment in history, I am proud to be part of a purpose and community that believes every person deserves equitable care, and a healthy happy family.