The Roe v Wade ruling allows American women, irrespective of their state, to terminate an unwanted pregnancy if they so wish as their constituional right, without any government interference.
If Roe v Wade is overturned, as in the leaked document published by US Politico article, there are many effects that it could have on American citizens.
States will impose bans
If Roe v Wade is overturned, then some states will impose a ban on abortion. Some like Texas where Jane Roe aka Norma McCorvey lived will have the pre-Roe ban brought back – which was banned unless in exceptional circumstances (where the woman’s life is in danger
Other states like Louisiana may have new laws that immediately comes into force to ban or restrict abortion post Roe v Wade.
It is expected that around 22 states will enforce laws on abortion.
Women will find other ‘risky’ means
According to a 2017, 1 in 4 US women will get an abortion during their life time.
If Roe v Wade is overturned, and some state ban abortion, it means women will turn to other desperate means that exposes them to higher risk and danger to their health.
For instance, they could start looking for illegal abortion clinic, which Jane Roe had attempted unsuccessfully, or they would have to travel to a state that allows abortion.
16 States including Hawaii and Illinois are said to have laws in place to protect abortion rights.
Rape, Domestic violent victims and teenagers are left vulnerable
Sub groups of women are bound to fall even more victim to the overturn. These groups do not seem to have been taken into account when considering if abortion should be banned.
Poverty
Poverty could increase as people who are unable to abort for one reason or other are left with a child, and with this comes financial responsibility which can increase burden and result in falling into poverty
