Reproductive Medicine in a Post-Roe World: What’s Changed and What You Need to Know

Reproductive Medicine After Roe v. Wade: What’s Changed and What You Need to Know

Written by: Dr. Brian Steixner

Is Roe v. Wade really a thing of the past now? You're not alone in questioning what reproductive rights were altered when the Supreme Court decided to overturn this landmark ruling in 2022. What a lot of people fail to recognize is that this decision didn’t just impact abortion rights—it sent shockwaves through the entire field of reproductive medicine. IVF, miscarriage management, contraception—everything’s suddenly a little more... complicated. And if you're wondering how all of this affects your own journey (or someone you know), buckle up, because the ripple is real.

What Roe v. Wade Meant and What It Means Now

Before Roe was overturned, there was a federal safeguard protecting abortion access across the U.S. Meaning, no matter what state you lived in, you had certain rights when it came to making decisions about your reproductive health. But now? We’re living in a state-by-state patchwork, where reproductive rights vary depending on where you live. Some states have embraced abortion bans, others have stayed staunchly pro-choice, and navigating the legalities can feel like trying to read a map with no compass.

While abortion access is front and center in this conversation, the changes trickle down to impact other areas of reproductive medicine, too—like IVF, miscarriage care, and even birth control.

IVF: A New Legal Limbo

In vitro fertilization (IVF) has long been a lifeline for those struggling to conceive, but post-Roe, the status of embryos has come into question in some states. In states where life is defined as beginning at conception, some lawmakers are wondering, “What about frozen embryos?” The ones not immediately implanted during an IVF cycle.

Suddenly, the disposal of unused embryos—which has been standard practice in fertility treatments—could be seen as legally problematic. Some fertility doctors and clinics might hesitate to offer the full range of services because, let’s face it, nobody wants to end up in a courtroom over embryos. This legal gray area leaves patients with more questions than answers, and it could limit access to fertility treatments in certain states.

Miscarriage Management: Collateral Damage

Now, here's something not everyone is talking about, miscarriage management. Miscarriages are painful enough without legal complications, but in some states, the medications used to manage a miscarriage are the same ones used in medication abortions. This overlap has created fear and hesitation among some healthcare providers, who worry that offering miscarriage management could be legally risky in states with strict abortion laws.

Imagine being in the heart-wrenching situation of a miscarriage and facing delayed care because of legal concerns. That’s a real fear for many patients now. The potential for life-threatening complications like infection or hemorrhage only makes the situation that much more critical.

Your vote, your advocacy and your awareness can help shape the future of reproductive healthcare.

Maternal Health: A Growing Concern

It’s not just those seeking abortion or miscarriage care who are affected. Restricting abortion can also lead to more unwanted pregnancies, which in turn can stretch healthcare systems, especially in states with already high maternal mortality rates. It’s simple math: more pregnancies plus fewer healthcare resources equals bad news for maternal health.

Forcing someone to carry a pregnancy that could endanger their health is a recipe for disaster—both mentally and physically. Studies consistently show that access to abortion improves maternal health outcomes, while restricting it often makes things worse.

Healthcare Providers: Stuck in the Middle

Now imagine you’re a healthcare provider—doctor, nurse, midwife—trying to do your job in this new landscape. You’re juggling state laws, federal guidelines, and the ever-present fear of legal repercussions. For many providers, the result is caution. Some may stop offering certain services altogether, whether that’s abortion, miscarriage management, or even fertility treatments, because the legal risk is just too high. These federal protections were stripped when Roe v. Wade was overturned.

And it's not just about what happens in the clinic. Some providers who travel to states with fewer restrictions to offer care could face legal retaliation in their home states. The bottom line? Patients could end up with fewer options and longer waits for care.

Reproductive Medicine After Roe v. Wade - The Road Ahead: Why Your Voice Matters

If all of this seems overwhelming, you're not alone. Reproductive medicine after Roe v. Wade is in uncharted waters right now, and the legal landscape is constantly shifting. What’s clear, though, is that the future of reproductive health care—whether it’s IVF, miscarriage management, contraception, or abortion—will depend heavily on upcoming elections. That’s why it’s crucial to stay informed, get involved, and make sure your voice is heard.

Your vote, your advocacy and your awareness can help shape the future of reproductive healthcare. Whether you're navigating these issues yourself or standing in solidarity with those who are, the choices made in the next election will have far-reaching impacts..

Let’s keep the conversation going—because the stakes couldn’t be higher, and the future of reproductive medicine depends on all of us.

Dr. Brian Steixner

Dr. Brian Steixner

Dr. Brian Steixner is a board-certified urologist and an expert in men’s sexual medicine. He completed his General Surgery and Urology training at The University of Pennsylvania and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, one of the busiest and most comprehensive programs in the nation. During his career, Brian has treated thousands of men with sexual health issues including male factor infertility.