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- States with abortion bans often have weak social safety net programs, leaving families struggling.
- Tennessee, with its near-total abortion ban, exemplifies a state with a porous safety net for mothers and children.
- These states typically have lower minimum wages, less unionization, and fewer social services.
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Essential Context
Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, states that have banned or restricted abortion have faced significant challenges in supporting families. Tennessee, for example, has a nearly total abortion ban and a social safety net that is often inadequate for mothers and young children.
Core Players
- Tennessee State Government – Implemented near-total abortion ban and limited Medicaid expansion.
- Taylor Cagnacci – A 29-year-old mom in Tennessee who relies on Medicaid and federal nutrition programs.
- Janie Busbee – Founder of Mother to Mother, a nonprofit providing baby supplies for low-income moms in Nashville.
- Dr. Nigel Madden – Lead author of a study on the impact of abortion restrictions on health and economic outcomes.
Key Numbers
- $35,600 – The annual income for a family of three at 138% of the federal poverty level, which Tennessee’s Medicaid does not cover.
- 3,000 – Additional moms who gained Medicaid coverage postpartum in Tennessee after the coverage was extended from 60 days to a year in 2022.
- 250,000 – Number of children who lost Medicaid coverage due to paperwork issues in Tennessee.
- $8.17 – Average minimum wage in states with abortion restrictions, compared to $11.92 in states with protected abortion access.
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The Catalyst
The overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 paved the way for states to implement strict abortion bans. This has led to a significant increase in the number of women giving birth in states with limited access to abortion services.
As Taylor Cagnacci, a 29-year-old mom in Tennessee, noted, “You have to have your child. But where’s the assistance afterward?”
Inside Forces
In Tennessee and other states with strict abortion bans, the social safety net is often inadequate. For example, Tennessee did not expand Medicaid to cover more low-income families and faces criticism for its handling of Medicaid coverage, including unlawfully terminating coverage for thousands of families[1>.
Nonprofits like Mother to Mother in Nashville fill some gaps but face challenges due to government income rules and the unpredictability of donations.
Power Dynamics
GOP state leaders argue they are bolstering services for families, but critics point out that these efforts are insufficient. For instance, while Tennessee extended Medicaid coverage for mothers postpartum from 60 days to a year, it has not expanded Medicaid to cover more low-income families[1).
The Republican supermajority in the Tennessee legislature has long opposed expanding Medicaid, which leaves many families without necessary health coverage.
Outside Impact
The lack of social services in these states has broader economic implications. States with abortion restrictions tend to have lower minimum wages, lower unionization rates, and fewer people receiving unemployment insurance. This contributes to economic disempowerment and reduced economic security for workers and families[3).
Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen has noted that restricting abortion access can have “very damaging effects on the economy and would set women back decades”[3).
Future Forces
Looking ahead, the impact of abortion bans on social safety nets and economic outcomes is likely to worsen. With a potential GOP-controlled Congress, there could be significant changes to federal assistance programs like Medicaid and food stamps, further straining the resources available to families.
Nonprofit leaders fear their job may get harder with reduced federal support and more stringent income rules.
Data Points
- 2022: U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, allowing states to ban abortion.
- 2022: Tennessee extends Medicaid coverage for mothers postpartum from 60 days to a year.
- 250,000: Number of children who lost Medicaid coverage in Tennessee due to paperwork issues.
- $8.17: Average minimum wage in states with abortion restrictions, compared to $11.92 in states with protected abortion access.
- 3 in 10: Percentage of unemployed people receiving unemployment insurance in states with abortion restrictions, compared to 42% in other states.
The convergence of strict abortion laws and inadequate social safety nets in states like Tennessee highlights a broader issue of economic and health disparities. As policymakers and stakeholders navigate these challenges, it is crucial to consider the long-term economic and social implications for families and communities.
