Navigating Loss of Abortion Services — A Large Academic Medical Center Prepares for the Overturn of Roe v. Wade

This perspective article outlines the challenges faced by the University of Michigan Health System in preparing for the criminalization of abortion following the anticipated overturn of Roe v. Wade. Under Michigan’s 1931 law, abortion would only be permitted to "preserve the life" of the pregnant person, leaving critical ambiguities in defining "lifesaving" care. The author highlights three pathways for patients denied abortion services: out-of-state travel, self-managed abortion (with legal and safety risks), or childbirth each straining health systems, insurers, and medical education. The article underscores broader implications, including increased maternal mortality (especially among Black patients), mental health burdens, and disruptions to miscarriage management, infertility care, and medical training. The piece calls for proactive, equity-focused preparation by health systems to address abortion’s integral role in health care.

This perspective article outlines the challenges faced by the University of Michigan Health System in preparing for the criminalization of abortion following the anticipated overturn of Roe v. Wade. Under Michigan’s 1931 law, abortion would only be permitted to "preserve the life" of the pregnant person, leaving critical ambiguities in defining "lifesaving" care. The author highlights three pathways for patients denied abortion services: out-of-state travel, self-managed abortion (with legal and safety risks), or childbirth each straining health systems, insurers, and medical education. The article underscores broader implications, including increased maternal mortality (especially among Black patients), mental health burdens, and disruptions to miscarriage management, infertility care, and medical training. The piece calls for proactive, equity-focused preparation by health systems to address abortion’s integral role in health care.