Central Mass. healthcare industry braces for impact of Supreme Court abortion ruling
Photo | Grant Welker
UMass Memorial Medical Center's University Campus in Worcester, which is one of the hospitals under the UMass Memorial Health umbrella
The U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Friday overturning the nearly 50 years of federal abortion rights has Central Massachusetts providers preparing for how the change will impact their services and patient volume.
Although abortion rights are unlikely to be affected in Massachusetts, due to state-level laws, the sudden lack of access in 11 other states, with another 12 expected to restrict it soon, could lead to an exodus of women seeking abortion to Massachusetts and other states where the procedure remains legal.
At Planned Parenthood locations across the state, including in Worcester, workers have anticipated a large number of women coming from out of state to seek an abortion where it is still legal. That anticipation was a factor in Planned Parenthood workers’ decision to unionize back in May.
Dr. Tara Kumaraswami, an assistant professor of obstetrics & gynecology at UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester, said she expected more women patients seeking abortions to arrive from out of state, but noted for women of low-income backgrounds, such arduous journeys may not be a viable option.
“I know the most vulnerable patients are the ones that are not going to be able to travel outside of their state, they will not be able to secure childcare while they leave the state,” Kumaraswami said. “There are companies that are stepping up and saying that if you live in a state where abortion is not going to be preserved, we will fund your abortion, but I don’t know if that’s going to include child care and transportation.”
Another issue Kumaraswami said might affect women seeking abortions out of state is having to cut ties with their personal OB/GYNs and physicians, potentially after being with them for years.
“Patients often make really trusting, secure relationships with their doctors, and then forced to leave the states to get that care is difficult,” she said.
The Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association on Friday put out a statement in support of abortion access.
“The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade is harmful, callous, and completely detached from the necessary reproductive care that is delivered in our country every day,” the statement said. “This ruling does more than just erode essential personal freedoms for vulnerable individuals; it is a tremendous blow to public health in our nation.”
Similarly, the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans, which counts Worcester insurer Fallon Health as a member, put out a statement Saturday supporting Massachusetts’ current laws.
“MAHP will continue to provide coverage for abortion services in small group and individual plans offered in the state,” Lora Pelligrini, MAHP President and CEO, said in a written statement. “MAHP believes that reproductive health care is a vital component of overall health.”
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