Adolescent Suicidality After State-Level Total Abortion Bans

Was implementation of total abortion bans associated with changes in suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among female high school students?In a cross-sectional study of Youth Risk Behavior Survey data from 338 324 students from 2017 to 2023, total abortion bans were associated with a statistically significant 4.3–percentage point increase in suicidal ideation among female students. No significant differences were observed among male students.The findings of this study suggest that state-level abortion bans may adversely affect female adolescents’ mental health and underscore the importance of suicide prevention services in affected states.

Corresponding Author: Wendy R. Sheldon, PhD, MPH, MSW, verge research, 41 Purdy Ave, Box 663, Rye, NY 10580 (wsheldon@vergeresearch.org).

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