I’m extremely concerned about the possibility of abortion becoming illegal in our state. As a clinical psychologist, I know the negative mental health consequences that occur to the parents and child when abortion is not safely and easily accessible. According to the American Psychological Association, people who are denied an abortion experience higher stress and anxiety and lower feelings of self-worth. This can then lead to even greater mental health issues such as depression, PTSD, and substance abuse. Additionally, unwanted pregnancies can push women into violent relationships, which can have long-lasting negative consequences on both the mother and child.

Unwanted pregnancies don’t just affect the mother, though. Children who are born into these circumstances are more likely to experience cognitive, emotional, and social impairments. And because abortion restrictions are more likely to affect people living in low-income and rural communities, the Upper Peninsula will feel this immensely. We already lack mental health resources for individuals and are in the midst of a mental health crisis. Restricting access to safe and legal abortions will not only exacerbate our already-strained systems, the parents and children will suffer unnecessarily. I don’t think anyone is prepared for the impact this will have on our state, let alone our area.

I hope everyone will endorse and vote for legislators and representatives who support reproductive freedom. Trust pregnant people to make decisions that are best for themselves, their circumstances, and their families.