I want to preface this blog post by acknowledging the highly emotional nature of the abortion topic, which encompasses legal, political, religious, and ethical beliefs. The intention here is not to take a stance for or against abortion, but rather to share a profound real-life story that deeply affected me.

During a recent dinner outing with my husband, we met a friend whose spouse is a pediatric medical specialist. He shared a case he had been assigned, involving a mother in her third trimester who received news of a severe fetal abnormality. This condition could not have been detected earlier in the pregnancy.

The fetal brain appeared completely smooth, lacking its normal texture. The doctors projected that once the baby is born, he or she will likely exist in a vegetative state and experience regular seizures.

Due to the legality of abortion in Arizona, the parents have no option but to await the delivery, fully aware of the challenging future awaiting their child.

It is unknown whether the parents, given the choice, would have opted for an abortion prior to full term. Nonetheless, it is essential for us to contemplate the impending fate that awaits this family.

Impact on the Parents
The arrival of a baby is typically a joyous occasion in a person’s life. The mother’s bond with the fetus is profound, and the anticipation of a new family member, the creation of life, is unparalleled in its excitement. Finally, holding one’s child after delivery is a deeply emotional experience, brimming with joy and love that words fail to capture.

I can’t fathom the emotional turmoil these parents will endure, knowing that their baby will spend their entire life in a hospital, their timeline uncertain, while being sustained by machines to alleviate pain during seizures. They will live in a perpetual state of uncertainty, never knowing which visit could be the last time they see their baby.

Their lives will be put on hold as they wait for inevitable news. Can they both return to work or will one parent choose to be with their child at all times? How long will they have to endure this agony, waiting for the inevitable passing of their baby? While no one can have the answers, these are undoubtedly the questions that would plague my mind.

Impact on the Family and Other Children
If there are other children in the family, how does one explain to them that their new baby brother or sister is destined to die soon and will never come home? How will they cope with this situation? Will they feel abandoned by their parents, who are fully focused on the baby? How do the parents return home everyday and create a sense of normalcy for their other children when their hearts are breaking?

Implications for Health Insurance
We are all aware of the exorbitant costs associated with medical care. This baby may spend weeks or months in the hospital, and there is no certainty. Assuming the family has health insurance coverage, the insurance company will be billed hundreds of thousands of dollars while the baby is alive. The family will be responsible for paying their maximum out-of-pocket amount, typically ranging between $6,000 and $9,000 per year. If the baby survives into the new year, the family will have to pay again towards the medical bills.

These substantial medical expenses covered by insurance companies will ultimately impact consumers of major medical plans. Such scenarios will not be isolated incidents but will recur because, in most states, women have access to abortion. Consequently, we can expect significant increases in health insurance premiums and deductibles because of this.

Effects on Hospitals and Medical Staff 
As mentioned earlier, these situations will become more prevalent without the option of late-term abortions. Hospitals will witness an increase in the number of babies born with severe health issues. This, in turn, will place an additional burden on medical staff, both physically and emotionally, as these babies require extra care and attention.

There is a possibility that more beds, staff, and specialized equipment will be necessary, straining the budgets of many hospitals. Consequently, the prices of hospitalization and medical care are likely to rise. Furthermore, hospitals may need to offer financial assistance to lower-income families and those who are underinsured or lack insurance coverage. This, too, will prompt hospitals to raise their prices to offset the additional costs.

Impact on Taxpayer Dollars (Medicaid/AHCCCS) 
Finally, we cannot overlook the fact that some of these families may be relying on government health coverage such as Medicaid or AHCCCS. This means that the government will bear the responsibility of paying the hospital bills on behalf of these families. When government spending increases, there is a good chance these costs will ultimately be borne by taxpayers. This may take the form of additional taxes or a reduction in spending in other areas that directly impact our communities.

Regardless of one’s perspective on the abortion topic, it is undeniable that there is no easy solution. However, when the decision to revoke Roe v. Wade was made, it appears that the public was not provided with comprehensive information—statistics and details—regarding the reasons and circumstances surrounding women’s choices to have abortions. I hope that one day, the people of this country will have the opportunity to express their voices through voting to address the complex dilemma of abortion and are provided an understanding of the array of circumstances that lead to a woman seeking an abortion – at any point during the pregnancy.