The Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization changed rules about abortion and produced broad effects on access to abortion and prenatal health care. The ruling also reshaped public discussion about the proper role of courts and elected officials in health and gender policy. The book Not Going Back (Temple University Press, 2026) explores these political consequences in detail.
Authors including Steve Greene of NC State draw on a large set of survey data and report results from many surveys, offering detailed analysis of shifts in opinion and behaviour since the ruling. The study pays particular attention to how Dobbs is reshaping the political landscape in the United States, tracking changes in voter behaviour and attitudes toward political institutions such as courts and elected bodies. The authors aim to show both immediate reactions and longer-term trends that follow from the decision.
The analysis highlights how a single court decision can influence political debate and electoral dynamics, and how changes in access to health care and abortion services interact with public opinion. By comparing survey results over time, the research provides a basis for assessing effects on elections, public confidence in institutions, and future policy debates. The authors note that it is not yet clear how lasting these effects will be. The original report appeared on Futurity.
Difficult words
- consequence — result or effect of an action or eventconsequences
- access — ability to reach or use a service
- institution — large public organization or official bodyinstitutions
- assess — judge or measure the size or effectassessing
- electoral — relating to elections and voting processes
- prenatal — before birth; relating to pregnancy care
- survey — a set of questions given to many peoplesurveys
- reshape — change the form or character of somethingreshaped
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How might changes in access to abortion and prenatal health care affect voter behaviour in future elections? Give reasons from the article or real life.
- Why is comparing survey results over time important when studying the effects of a major court decision like Dobbs?
- What role do you think courts and elected officials should have in health and gender policy, based on the article's description of the debate?
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