WASHINGTON DC, April 12, 2023  – The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is deeply concerned about the recent ruling in Texas banning abortion pills. As an organization committed to the well-being and mental health of children and adolescents, we recognize that access to reproductive health care, including safe and legal abortion, is essential to the physical, emotional, and psychological health of individuals and families.

The recent ruling in Texas has the potential to significantly impact the mental health and well-being of individuals seeking abortion services and may exacerbate existing health disparities. Research continues to show that restrictive abortion laws can lead to increased psychological distress and negative mental health outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

We firmly believe that reproductive health care decisions should be made by individuals in consultation with their healthcare providers, without interference from the government or other third parties. Banning abortion pills restricts access to safe and legal abortion, potentially putting individuals at risk of unsafe and illegal procedures.

AACAP urges policymakers to prioritize the health and well-being of individuals and families by ensuring access to safe and legal reproductive health care. We also call on healthcare providers to continue to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals seeking abortion services, and to advocate for policies that support reproductive health care access and equity.

AACAP stands firmly in support of reproductive health care access and choice, and we will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize the health and well-being of all individuals and families.

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The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry promotes the healthy development of children, adolescents, and families through advocacy, education, and research. Child and adolescent psychiatrists are the leading physician authority on children’s mental health. For more information, please visit www.aacap.org