New research led by WashU Medicine OBGYN looks at how care changed following the Dobbs decision.
In this retrospective chart review, we compared second-trimester uterine evacuations in a restrictive state before and after the Dobbs decision. Post-Dobbs, fewer evacuations were performed via D&E, and a smaller proportion were for medical emergencies. Patients with medical emergencies had lower odds of undergoing a D&E.
The findings point to how legal uncertainty can shape clinical decision-making, even when the law itself hasn’t changed, underscoring the need for clear institutional guidance to support patients and providers.