Dobbs-Driven Expansion of Perinatal Palliative Care: A Scoping Review
An article published in Health Affairs Scholar examines the current state of perinatal palliative care (PPC) in the U.S. amid increasing abortion restrictions. The scoping review of thirteen studies found that PPC programs are understudied, with limited evidence on maternal and neonatal outcomes, overall program use, and equity. Most patients reported high satisfaction, appreciating compassionate care and emotional support, but studies lacked diversity and did not address how abortion laws affect PPC experiences. The authors highlight critical gaps in evidence, raising concerns about whether PPC can adequately support the growing number of families continuing pregnancies complicated by life-limiting fetal conditions due to restrictive policies.