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In June 2022, the US Supreme Court ruled against the continuance of Roe v. Wade, sending the matter of abortion back to the states. This was a highly controversial decision, one that many cited as a factor in Republicans underperforming during that year's midterm elections.

With states having a greater say in their abortion regulations, many GOP states have shifted towards banning all abortions with few to no exceptions. This subsequently resulted in heated lawsuits, plus various ballot initiatives that allow voters to have the ultimate say on laws surrounding the procedure.

Amid the end of Roe v. Wade, there's also been an increase in Americans taking preventative measures to prevent the chance of unwanted pregnancies in their own lives.

JAMA Health Forum study reveals interesting turn of events

In a study of more than 113 million Americans, there's been a notable uptick in tubal ligations and vasectomies between the ages of 18 and 30. Tubal ligations increased two times more than vasectomies, indicating more young women than young men opt for sterilization over unwanted pregnancies.

Medical officials believe this turn of events signals anxiety among young people. They've also been advocating for greater access to birth control amid the overturn of Roe. For what it's worth, this year has seen an increase in accessibility to birth control, thanks to contraception like Opill now being available for over-the-counter and in-store purchase.

Declining birth rates in the aftermath of Roe v. Wade

Around the world, more people are either putting off having kids or opting out of parenthood altogether.

For some, they want to build themselves up and achieve financial stability before taking on the huge responsibility of becoming a mother or father. Others feel that raising children doesn't align with their preferred lifestyles, values, or other preferences.

Whatever the reason, an increase in Americans opting for sterilization in the aftermath of Roe v. Wade's demise sends a very clear message. With access to abortion being either nuked or heavily restricted, more people will reject the possibility of parenthood altogether, rather than risk ending up with a pregnancy they don't want or feel ready for.