Two years after the overturn of Roe v. Wade, the impact on abortion access in the United States is evident, affecting not only abortion services but also care for women experiencing miscarriages, particularly in states with abortion bans like Texas. The closure of lower-cost clinics has left many women facing significant financial burdens for necessary procedures.
One woman, Marlene Estelle, shared her experience of needing a DNC procedure after a miscarriage but facing challenges due to Texas' abortion laws. Despite the procedure being legal in certain cases, she encountered difficulties accessing it at her local hospital and was shocked by the high cost of $14,368, even with a discount for paying out of pocket.
Unable to afford the procedure locally, Marlene sought care outside of Texas, ultimately traveling to Los Angeles for a more affordable option at an abortion clinic. However, before she could make the trip, she experienced complications at home, leading to a traumatic miscarriage experience.
The closure of abortion clinics in Texas has significantly reduced access to lower-cost care for miscarriages, leaving many women in challenging situations. Marlene's story sheds light on the struggles faced by women in states with restrictive abortion laws, highlighting the need for accessible and affordable reproductive healthcare options.