Post-Roe decision Could Impact Baby-Formula Availability With Addition Births Projected
The post-Roe rise in births in the U.S. will be in some of the worst states for infant and maternal health. The immediate effects of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization closed clinics shifting abortion access across the map almost overnight. Although it is too soon to see a rise in babies born to mothers who did not wish to have them. An economics professor, Caitlin Myers estimates there will be approximately 50,000 additional births nationwide. A trend quickly started on TikTok where “camping” became the code word for abortions.
Young women have been more scared than ever, to get pregnant. These children could start the next anti-abortion movement but America is unprepared to care for them and their birth mothers. But, plans are set “To make Ohio truly the best place in the nation to have a baby and raise a family…. [after] families have seen their freedom to make their own healthcare decisions stripped away.” Said Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo.
In Ohio, where a six-week abortion ban is stalled pending a court battle Governor Mike DeWine has proposed eliminating the tax on diapers and baby supplies, and expanding Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women and children by raising the income limit to single mothers making up to $54,930 a year or families of 3 making up to $69,090.
Defense Department Aircraft Used To Get Baby-Formula Into The country
Ohio had the 19th highest death rate in the nation with 21.3 maternal deaths per 100,000 births, according to the Kaiser Family Foundations review of data from 2018-2020. The infant mortality rate was 6.7 deaths per 1,000 births in 2020. The Health Department’s 2030 goal is 5 or fewer deaths per 1,000 births for every racial group.
It doesn’t help the fact that last year there was a huge shortage in baby-formula and kid-medicine. Inflation, supply chain issues as well as recalls resulted in a 30% drop in availability of some popular brands of baby formula in retail outlets across the country. Some parents cannot produce a healthy breast milk supply, while others may take certain medications or need to undergo a medical treatment that isn’t breastfeeding safe. In June, the Biden administration invoked the Defense Production Act to address the problem directing government agencies to use Defense Department aircraft to get formula into the country. This brought the equivalent of 19 million 8-ounce bottles of formula.”
Please look out for the women and children in our communities. While Ohio has plans to hopefully make things better, we all know how life gets in the way. The mothers should not be the only ones who care!
PUBLISHER’S NOTE:
I want to thank Bridget Ofori, a second-year student at the University of Dayton School of Law, for writing and contributing this article. Bridget is clerking with Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues this semester. You will be reading more from her in the weeks to come! Welcome to the HCM&M team Bridget!
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Attorney Robert “Chip” Mues has been focusing his legal practice throughout Southwest Ohio primarily in divorce and family law matters since 1978. Chip is passionate about family law and has proudly published the Ohio Family Law Blog since 2007. In addition, he is the managing partner of Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues. To learn more about him or the law firm, visit the firm’s website at www.hcmmlaw.com. Appointments are available in person, over the phone or by Zoom. Call us at 937 293-2141.