Diana Green Foster highlights Turnaway Study's impact on mental health findings post-abortion

The Court of Claims hearing for case 24-00001MM, Northland Family Planning Center v. Nessel, took place on April 22, 2025, focusing on the implications of the Turnaway Study, which examines the mental health outcomes associated with abortion. The session featured expert testimony from Dr. Biggs, who provided insights into the study's findings and methodologies.

The discussion began with an overview of the Turnaway Study's results, indicating that abortion does not lead to adverse mental health outcomes in the long term. Dr. Biggs noted that while the study found no significant differences in mental health between those who had abortions and those who were denied, individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions or histories of trauma were more likely to experience negative mental health symptoms post-abortion. This aligns with existing research across various populations.

Dr. Biggs emphasized the strengths of the Turnaway Study, highlighting its robust comparison groups and prospective design, which allowed for accurate assessments of participants' mental health at the time of the study rather than relying on retrospective accounts. The study's large sample size and use of validated measures further contributed to its credibility. Dr. Diana Green Foster, the principal investigator, received a MacArthur Genius grant for her groundbreaking work on the study, which has been published in over 50 peer-reviewed journals.

However, Dr. Biggs acknowledged critiques of the study, particularly regarding its participation rate of nearly 40%, which some may consider low for a longitudinal study. He explained that recruiting participants who were denied abortions posed unique challenges, but the study successfully engaged a representative sample of individuals seeking abortions across the United States.

The session also addressed the study's attrition rates, with Dr. Biggs noting that approximately 5% of participants were lost to follow-up at each interview wave over five years, resulting in a total attrition of close to 50%. Despite this, he argued that the attrition rate was relatively low compared to similar studies and that the analysis accounted for missing data, ensuring the integrity of the findings.

In conclusion, the hearing underscored the Turnaway Study's significance in understanding the mental health implications of abortion, while also acknowledging the ongoing debates surrounding its methodology and findings. The court will reconvene later for further examination of the evidence presented.