The recent US Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overruled the Roe v Wade decision and gave states the power to regulate abortion, has led to a patchwork of abortion laws that vary from state to state. This article explores the impact of the decision on psychiatrists and the ethical and legal dilemmas they face. The author, Dr. Kaempf, highlights the importance of knowing the data on abortion and mental health. Studies have shown that having an abortion does not worsen mental health, however women who are unable to obtain a desired abortion may experience short-term anxiety, decreased self-esteem, and life satisfaction. The most significant predictor of negative mental health outcomes is pre-abortion mental health and history of traumatic experiences. Psychiatrists must be aware of existing literature on the topic and be able to provide patients with accurate information and counseling, especially when conducting medical decision-making capacity assessments. The informed consent process surrounding abortion may be complex due to religious convictions, stigma, political controversies, and legislative interference, but evaluations of capacity to consent to abortion should follow the same approach as other medical decision-making capacity assessments.
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