logo
welcome
ABC News

ABC News

In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families

ABC News
Summary
Nutrition label

82% Informative

In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families.

Tennessee has a nearly total abortion ban and a porous safety net for mothers and young children.

Women, infants and children are less likely to be enrolled in a government nutrition program.

GOP state leaders in Tennessee and other states that banned abortion argue that they are bolstering services for families.

More than 3% of the 83,000 babies born in Tennessee in 2023 had mothers who didn’t receive prenatal care.

After birth, doctor shortages impede ongoing care.

Moms describe several aid programs as frustrating to navigate.

Republicans could seek significant changes to federal assistance programs they’ve long criticized, like Medicaid and food stamps.