Adolescent Suicidality After State-Level Total Abortion Bans - Report - MDSpire

Adolescent Suicidality After State-Level Total Abortion Bans

  • By

  • Wendy R. Sheldon

  • Rayan Ouaddi

  • Nicole Chen

  • Jason M. Lindo

  • June 24, 2026

  • 0 min

Share

Impact of Statewide Total Abortion Restrictions on Adolescent Suicidal Behavior

Overview

This study evaluates the association between total abortion bans and changes in suicidal behavior among female adolescents using Youth Risk Behavior Survey data.

Background

Adolescent suicidality is a pressing public health issue, being the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 24 years in the US. Recent research highlights the impact of structural and policy-related determinants on mental health, particularly in vulnerable populations. The implementation of total abortion bans following the Dobbs decision raises concerns about potential effects on adolescent mental health.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Total abortion bans are associated with increased suicidal ideation among female adolescents according to the study.
  • States with total abortion bans showed a rise in suicide attempts compared to nonban states.
  • The study utilized Youth Risk Behavior Survey data from 2017 to 2023 for analysis.
  • Male students were included for parallel analyses.
  • Adolescents face unique vulnerabilities related to pregnancy and access to abortion care.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should be aware of the potential mental health impacts of abortion restrictions on adolescents.

Conclusion

The findings indicate a link between total abortion bans and increased suicidality among female adolescents.

Related Resources & Content

  1. American Academy of Pediatrics, Pediatrics, 2024 -- Suicide and Suicide Risk in Adolescents
  2. JAMA Network Open, 2023 -- Abortion Bans and Pregnancy-Related Care Across Physician Specialties: A Qualitative Study
  3. JAMA Network Open, 2023 -- The Texas Abortion Ban and Maternal Mental Health
  4. JAMA Network Open, 2023 -- Access to Reproductive Care and Suicide Rates Among Women of Reproductive Age in the United States
  5. American Journal of Epidemiology — Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Suicide Attempt Rates in Illinois Hospitals: A Short- and Long-Term Analysis
  6. BMC Psychiatry (Springer) — Examining suicidality and associated risk factors among refugee children and adolescents in Uganda
  7. Suicide and Suicide Risk in Adolescents | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics
  8. Implications of Abortion Restrictions for Adolescents
  9. Access to Reproductive Care and Suicide Rates Among Women of Reproductive Age in the United States

Original Source(s)

Adolescent Suicidality After State-Level Total Abortion Bans

  • by Wendy R. Sheldon, Rayan Ouaddi, Nicole Chen, Jason M. Lindo

  • June 24, 2026

Related Content

Shorter Initial Benzo Courses Linked to Discontinuation

Longer initial prescriptions, use of multiple benzodiazepines, and long-acting agents were associated with delayed discontinuation in a retrospective population-based cohort study.

Side Effects: The Hidden Variable

The partner in the next room, the hormone in the blister pack, the cat on the couch, the minute-long chair stand. Several new studies suggest the factor shaping outcomes may be the one clinicians aren’t routinely measuring.

Editorial: Psychological health in the digital age across global communities