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Lerma K, Coplon L, Goyal V. Travel for abortion care: implications for clinical practice. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2023; 35:476-483. [PMID: 37916900 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Traveling long distances to obtain abortion care due to restrictions and scarce availability is associated with significant obstacles. We review clinical strategies that can facilitate abortion access and outline considerations to ensure person-centered and equitable care. RECENT FINDINGS Establishing a patient's gestational duration prior to travel may be beneficial to ensure they are eligible for their desired abortion method at the preferred facility or to determine if a multiday procedure is required. If a local ultrasound cannot be obtained prior to travel, evidence demonstrates people can generally estimate their gestational duration accurately. If unable to provide care, clinicians should make timely referrals for abortion. Integration of telemedicine into abortion care is safe and well regarded by patients and should be implemented into service delivery where possible to reduce obstacles to care. Routine in-person follow-up care is not necessary. However, for those who want reassurance, formalized pathways to care should be established to ensure people have access to care in their community. To further minimize travel-related burdens, facilities should routinely offer information about funding and practical support, emotional support, and legal resources. SUMMARY There are many opportunities to optimize clinical practice to support those traveling for abortion care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaira Lerma
- Population Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Leah Coplon
- Abortion On Demand, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Vinita Goyal
- Population Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
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Lands M, Carpenter E, Valley T, Jacques L, Higgins J. "Am I the Only One Who Feels Like This?": Needs Expressed Online by Abortion Seekers. SOCIAL WORK 2023; 68:103-111. [PMID: 36795036 PMCID: PMC10074479 DOI: 10.1093/sw/swad011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In the United States, abortion is safe and common, but highly stigmatized and frequently targeted by legislation that aims to restrict access. Numerous obstacles impede access to abortion care, including logistical barriers like cost and transportation, limited clinic availability, and state-mandated waiting periods. Accurate abortion information can also be hard to access. To overcome these barriers, many people seeking abortion turn to anonymous online forums, including Reddit, for information and support. Examining this community provides a unique perspective on the questions, thoughts, and needs of people considering or undergoing an abortion. The authors web scraped 250 posts from subreddits that contain abortion-related posts, then coded deidentified posts using a combined deductive/inductive approach. The authors identified a subset of these codes in which users were giving/seeking information and advice on Reddit, then engaged in a targeted analysis of the needs expressed in these posts. Three interconnected needs emerged: (1) need for information, (2) need for emotional support, and (3) need for community around the abortion experience. In this study map the authors reflected these needs onto key social work practice areas and competencies; taken alongside support from social work's governing bodies, this research suggests that social workers would be beneficial additions to the abortion care workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Lands
- MSW, MPH, is research program manager, Collaborative for Reproductive Equity, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1010 Mound Street, Madison, WI 75371, USA
| | - Emma Carpenter
- PhD, MSW, is postdoctoral fellow, Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Taryn Valley
- MA, is an MD-PhD student, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Laura Jacques
- MD, is assistant professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jenny Higgins
- PhD, MPH, is professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Leyser-Whalen O, Torres L, Gonzales B. Revealing Economic and Racial Injustices: Demographics of Abortion Fund Callers on the U.S.-Mexico Border. WOMEN'S REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH (PHILADELPHIA, PA.) 2022; 8:188-202. [PMID: 35005056 DOI: 10.1080/23293691.2021.1973845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
There are multiple accessibility challenges to abortion care in the United States. Most abortion research relies on clinic data, whereas we utilized data from an abortion fund on the U.S.-Mexico border. The majority of the sample were Latinx (62.2%), were 20-29 years old (59.7%), were in the first trimester (65.4%), and traveled hundreds of miles to an abortion clinic. Younger age, being in the third trimester, not having insurance, and having some resources were associated with likelihood of receiving aid for an abortion procedure. There is still a great need for abortion funding and access, particularly for young, economically disadvantaged people of color.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ophra Leyser-Whalen
- Department of Sociology & Anthropology, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, USA
| | - Luis Torres
- Department of Sociology & Anthropology, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, USA
| | - Brianna Gonzales
- Department of Sociology & Anthropology, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, USA
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Real-Time Effects of Payer Restrictions on Reproductive Healthcare: A Qualitative Analysis of Cost-Related Barriers and Their Consequences among U.S. Abortion Seekers on Reddit. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18179013. [PMID: 34501602 PMCID: PMC8430941 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Objective: The Hyde Amendment and related policies limit or prohibit Medicaid coverage of abortion services in the United States. Most research on cost-related abortion barriers relies on clinic-based samples, but people who desire abortions may never make it to a healthcare center. To examine a novel, pre-abortion population, we analyzed a unique qualitative dataset of posts from Reddit, a widely used social media platform increasingly leveraged by researchers, to assess financial obstacles among anonymous posters considering abortion. Methods: In February 2020, we used Python to web-scrape the 250 most recent posts that mentioned abortion, removing all identifying information and usernames. After transferring all posts into NVivo, a qualitative software package, the team identified all datapoints related to cost. Three qualitatively trained evaluators established and applied codes, reaching saturation after 194 posts. The research team used a descriptive qualitative approach, using both inductive and deductive elements, to identify and analyze themes related to financial barriers. Results: We documented multiple cost-related deterrents, including lack of funds for both the procedure and attendant travel costs, inability to afford desired abortion modality (i.e., medication or surgical), and for some, consideration of self-managed abortion options due to cost barriers. Conclusions: Findings from this study underscore the centrality of cost barriers and third-party payer restrictions to stymying reproductive health access in the United States. Results may contribute to the growing evidence base and building political momentum focused on repealing the Hyde Amendment.
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Coast E, Lattof SR, van der Meulen Rodgers Y, Moore B, Poss C. The microeconomics of abortion: A scoping review and analysis of the economic consequences for abortion care-seekers. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252005. [PMID: 34106927 PMCID: PMC8189560 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The economic consequences of abortion care and abortion policies for
individuals occur directly and indirectly. We lack synthesis of the economic
costs, impacts, benefit or value of abortion care at the micro-level (i.e.,
individuals and households). This scoping review examines the microeconomic
costs, benefits and consequences of abortion care and policies. Methods and findings Searches were conducted in eight electronic databases and applied
inclusion/exclusion criteria using the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews.
For inclusion, studies must have examined at least one of the following
outcomes: costs, impacts, benefits, and value of abortion care or abortion
policies. Quantitative and qualitative data were extracted for descriptive
statistics and thematic analysis. Of the 230 included microeconomic studies,
costs are the most frequently reported microeconomic outcome (n = 180),
followed by impacts (n = 84), benefits (n = 39), and values (n = 26).
Individual-level costs of abortion-related care have implications for the
timing and type of care sought, globally. In contexts requiring multiple
referrals or follow-up visits, these costs are multiplied. The ways in which
people pay for abortion-related costs are diverse. The intersection between
micro-level costs and delay(s) to abortion-related care is substantial.
Individuals forego other costs and expenditures, or are pushed further into
debt and/or poverty, in order to fund abortion-related care. The evidence
base on the economic impacts of policy or law change is from high-income
countries, dominated by studies from the United States. Conclusions Delays underpinned by economic factors can thwart care-seeking, affect the
type of care sought, and impact the gestational age at which care is sought
or reached. The evidence base includes little evidence on the micro-level
costs for adolescents. Specific sub-groups of abortion care-seekers
(transgendered and/or disabled people) are absent from the evidence and it
is likely that they may experience higher direct and indirect costs because
they may experience greater barriers to abortion care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernestina Coast
- Department of International Development, London School of Economics and
Political Science, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Samantha R. Lattof
- Department of International Development, London School of Economics and
Political Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yana van der Meulen Rodgers
- Department of Labor Studies and Employment Relations, Rutgers University,
Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
- Department of Women’s and Gender Studies, Rutgers University, Piscataway,
New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Brittany Moore
- Ipas, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of
America
| | - Cheri Poss
- Ipas, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of
America
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Rodgers YVDM, Coast E, Lattof SR, Poss C, Moore B. The macroeconomics of abortion: A scoping review and analysis of the costs and outcomes. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250692. [PMID: 33956826 PMCID: PMC8101771 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although abortion is a common gynecological procedure around the globe, we lack synthesis of the known macroeconomic costs and outcomes of abortion care and abortion policies. This scoping review synthesizes the literature on the impact of abortion-related care and abortion policies on economic outcomes at the macroeconomic level (that is, for societies and nation states). METHODS AND FINDINGS Searches were conducted in eight electronic databases. We conducted the searches and application of inclusion/exclusion criteria using the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews. For inclusion, studies must have examined one of the following macroeconomic outcomes: costs, impacts, benefits, and/or value of abortion care or abortion policies. Quantitative and qualitative data were extracted for descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Of the 189 data extractions with macroeconomic evidence, costs at the national level are the most frequently reported economic outcome (n = 97), followed by impacts (n = 66), and benefits/value (n = 26). Findings show that post-abortion care services can constitute a substantial portion of national expenditures on health. Public sector coverage of abortion costs is sparse, and individuals bear most of the costs. Evidence also indicates that liberalizing abortion laws can have positive spillover effects for women's educational attainment and labor supply, and that access to abortion services contributes to improvements in children's human capital. However, the political economy around abortion legislation remains complicated and controversial. CONCLUSIONS Given the highly charged political nature of abortion around the global and the preponderance of rhetoric that can cloud reality in policy dialogues, it is imperative that social science researchers build the evidence base on the macroeconomic outcomes of abortion services and regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana van der Meulen Rodgers
- Department of Labor Studies and Employment Relations, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
- Department of Women’s and Gender Studies, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Ernestina Coast
- Department of International Development, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha R. Lattof
- Department of International Development, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cheri Poss
- Ipas, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Brittany Moore
- Ipas, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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Orlando MS, Vable AM, Holt K, Wingo E, Newmann S, Shapiro BJ, Borne D, Drey EA, Seidman D. Homelessness, housing instability, and abortion outcomes at an urban abortion clinic in the United States. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2020; 223:892.e1-892.e12. [PMID: 32640198 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse reproductive health outcomes are well documented among people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Little is known about abortion outcomes among this population. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the relationship between housing status and abortion outcomes and whether gestational age mediates this relationship. STUDY DESIGN Our sample comprised 1903 individuals who had abortions at an urban clinic in San Francisco, CA, from 2015 to 2017. We defined homelessness or housing instability as a binary exposure, which included staying outside, with friends and/or family, or in a tent, vehicle, shelter, transitional program, or hotel. We evaluated gestational duration of ≥20 weeks as a mediator variable. Our primary outcome was any abortion complication. Logistic regression models were adjusted for age, race, substance use, mental health diagnoses, and previous vaginal and cesarean deliveries. RESULTS Approximately 19% (n=356) of abortions were among people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Compared with those with stable housing, people experiencing homelessness or housing instability presented later in pregnancy (mean gestational duration, 13.3 vs 9.5 weeks; P<.001) and had more frequent complications (6.5% vs 2.8%; P<.001; odds ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-3.9). Adjusting for race, substance use, mental health diagnoses, and previous cesarean deliveries, individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability were more likely to have abortion complications (odds ratio, 2.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-4.0). However, the relationship was attenuated after adjusting for gestational duration (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.7-2.6), suggesting that gestational duration mediates the relationship between housing status and abortion complications. CONCLUSION Patients experiencing homelessness or housing instability presented later in gestation, which seems to contribute to the increased frequency of abortion complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan S Orlando
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Anusha M Vable
- Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Kelsey Holt
- Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, San Francisco, CA; Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Erin Wingo
- Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, San Francisco, CA
| | - Sara Newmann
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, San Francisco, CA
| | - Bradley J Shapiro
- Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Deborah Borne
- San Francisco Health Network Transitions Division, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA
| | - Eleanor A Drey
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, San Francisco, CA
| | - Dominika Seidman
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, San Francisco, CA.
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Leyser-Whalen O, Chaleshtori SZ, Monteblanco A. Another disaster: Access to abortion after Hurricane Harvey. Health Care Women Int 2020; 41:1111-1127. [PMID: 33170761 PMCID: PMC8018709 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2020.1833883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The devastating effects of natural hazards uncover and exacerbate social inequalities, yet reproductive health outcomes are often overlooked. Despite a small but growing literature on gender and disaster-related impacts, there are no studies to date to our knowledge on the intersection of abortion and disasters, which is important because abortion is common in the U.S. and is a critical component of comprehensive reproductive healthcare yet is routinely inaccessible due to a lack of health insurance coverage and other policy barriers. This is a qualitative case study of 8 individuals who required abortion services in Texas at the time of Hurricane Harvey. The study sample comes from caller data from a local Texas abortion fund. We present caller demographics, which reveal nonwhite patients in later trimesters struggling economically. Callers display a need for funding, particularly for travel, and were affected by interpersonal and sexual violence. We conclude with policy and research implications for disaster planners, domestic violence organizations, state and federal officials, and health insurers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ophra Leyser-Whalen
- Department of Sociology & Anthropology, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, USA
| | | | - Adelle Monteblanco
- department of Sociology & Anthropology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA
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Ely GE, Hales TW, Agbemenu K. An Exploration of the Experiences of Florida Abortion Fund Service Recipients. HEALTH & SOCIAL WORK 2020; 45:186-194. [PMID: 32476014 DOI: 10.1093/hsw/hlaa012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This article describes a secondary data analysis of a health data set representing the experiences of abortion fund service recipients (ASRs) who received financial assistance to help pay for unaffordable abortion costs. The authors analyzed 3,216 ASR cases from 2001 to 2015. Demographic characteristics, service utilization rates, and the personal hardships reported by the sample were assessed. The personal hardships of the Florida ASRs were compared with the hardships reported by ASRs who received assistance from a national fund. Results indicate that Florida ASRs are primarily people of color who are single, in their mid-20s, already parenting children, and receiving assistance in the second trimester of pregnancy. ASRs in this current study are experiencing multiple personal hardships while trying to access an abortion, including economic hardships (such as lack of insurance coverage and unemployment) and trauma (including rape and partner violence). When compared with the ASRs at the national level, these state-level ASRs reported higher rates of unemployment, partner violence, and rape, which suggests that the Florida ASRs face some more dire circumstances compared with ASRs at the national level. Repeal of policy that restricts public funding of abortion in Florida is recommended to improve access to abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretchen E Ely
- School of Social Work, University at Buffalo, State University of New York
| | - Travis W Hales
- School of Social Work, University of North Carolina-Charlotte
| | - Kafuli Agbemenu
- School of Nursing, University at Buffalo, State University of New York
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10
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Exploring crowdfunding campaigns for abortion services. Contraception 2020; 102:18-22. [PMID: 32105655 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2020.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the use of crowdfunding to pay for abortion services for individuals in the United States. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional analysis of data abstracted from publicly available campaigns for abortion services on four major crowdfunding sites. RESULTS Among 92 crowdfunding campaigns, the median amount requested was $610 (IQR $500-$1000), the median raised was $0 (IQR $0-$444), and 19 (21%) campaigns successfully reached their fundraising goal. Campaign success did not differ by state abortion policy, but campaigns written in third person or describing maternal/fetal diagnoses raised significantly more money. CONCLUSIONS Although individuals use crowdfunding to finance abortion services, the success rate is low.
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Ely G, Polmanteer RSR, Caron A. Access to Abortion Services in Tennessee: Does Distance Traveled and Geographic Location Influence Return for a Second Appointment as Required by the Mandatory Waiting Period Policy? HEALTH & SOCIAL WORK 2019; 44:13-21. [PMID: 30561624 DOI: 10.1093/hsw/hly039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this article was to examine the average distance traveled to access an abortion procedure, rates of return for the procedure, and whether or not those living in rural zip codes were less likely to return for the abortion compared with residents in urban zip codes, in the context of a 48-hour in-person mandatory waiting period in Tennessee. Findings indicated that over 12 percent of patients who attended the in-person counseling session did not return for the procedure. Moreover, abortion patients in this study traveled an average of 50.53 miles to access abortion care, which is notably higher than the estimated national average of 11.00 miles. Rural residents were significantly more likely than urban residents to have to travel farther to access abortion services. However, neither geographic location nor distance traveled were predictive of returning to the clinic for the second appointment to obtain the abortion, suggesting that patients who did return were able to overcome any geographic disparities. Given the policy mandate that requires a minimum of two in-person clinic visits to obtain the abortion, patients who are traveling farther must still use more resources for two trips, which is a burden to them that is not experienced by more urban residents who are located in closer proximity to abortion providers. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of the findings for social work practice and policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretchen Ely
- Gretchen Ely, PhD, is associate professor, School of Social Work, University at Buffalo, State University of New York. Rebecca S. Rouland Polmanteer, PhD, LMSW, is assistant professor, Department of Social Work, Nazareth College, Rochester, NY. Amelia Caron is a doula, Knoxville Abortion Doula Collective, Planned Parenthood of Middle/East Tennessee, Knoxville
| | - Rebecca S Rouland Polmanteer
- Gretchen Ely, PhD, is associate professor, School of Social Work, University at Buffalo, State University of New York. Rebecca S. Rouland Polmanteer, PhD, LMSW, is assistant professor, Department of Social Work, Nazareth College, Rochester, NY. Amelia Caron is a doula, Knoxville Abortion Doula Collective, Planned Parenthood of Middle/East Tennessee, Knoxville
| | - Amelia Caron
- Gretchen Ely, PhD, is associate professor, School of Social Work, University at Buffalo, State University of New York. Rebecca S. Rouland Polmanteer, PhD, LMSW, is assistant professor, Department of Social Work, Nazareth College, Rochester, NY. Amelia Caron is a doula, Knoxville Abortion Doula Collective, Planned Parenthood of Middle/East Tennessee, Knoxville
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12
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Ely GE, Hales TW, Jackson DL, Kotting J, Agbemenu K. Access to choice: Examining differences between adolescent and adult abortion fund service recipients. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2018; 26:695-704. [PMID: 29687508 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The results of a study examining differences between U.S. adolescent and adult abortion fund service recipients are presented in this paper. Using existing case data from 2010 to 2015 from the National Network of Abortion Funds (N = 3,288), a secondary data analysis was conducted to determine whether or not the experiences of adolescent (n = 481) and adult abortion patients (n = 2,807) who received financial assistance to help pay for an abortion differed. Fisher's exact tests examined differences in dichotomous variables, and regression examined differences in procedural costs, patient resources and expected travel distances to obtain an abortion. Results show that a greater proportion of adolescents in this data set identified as African American, and that adolescents were more likely to report seeking an abortion due to lack of contraception, and rape, while adult patients were more likely to be seeking an abortion due to contraceptive failure and partner violence. Results are discussed using a trauma-informed framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretchen E Ely
- School of Social Work, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY
| | - Travis W Hales
- School of Social Work, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY
| | - D Lynn Jackson
- Department of Social Work, Texas Christian University, Ft. Worth, TX
| | | | - Kafuli Agbemenu
- School of Nursing, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, New York, NY
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