7 Takeaways from our Reproductive Justice Research Roundup
At the UCLA Center for the Study of Women|Barbra Streisand Center, our commitment to reproductive justice is grounded in current research and scholarship surrounding the multifaceted dimensions of abortion access. As access to reproductive healthcare faces new challenges, the importance of evidence-based scholarship on healthcare access has never been more critical.
View findings, excerpts, and a bibliography of UCLA and UCLA-affiliated researchers studying the impact of the overturn of Roe v. Wade in our new Reproductive Justice Research Roundup.
Reproductive Justice Research Roundup Key Takeaways
1. Contraception as a Catalyst for Economic Mobility: A pivotal study by Martha Bailey underscores the profound impact of access to contraception on economic outcomes. The research demonstrates that when low-income women have access to subsidized family planning programs, their children are less likely to live in poverty and more likely to achieve higher educational and economic outcomes. This finding reinforces the idea that reproductive justice extends beyond individual rights—it is a cornerstone for broader social and economic equity. By empowering women to plan their pregnancies, we are also investing in the success of the next generation.
2. The Impact of the Overturn of Roe v. Wade on Abortion Access: The repercussions of the Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, are reverberating across the nation. A UCLA report estimated that Illinois would see an influx of up to 18,554 individuals annually seeking abortion care from states with restrictive laws. This surge highlights the increasing barriers to abortion access and underscores the urgent need for supportive policies and infrastructure in states where abortion remains legal.
3. Pharmacists and the Future of Medication Abortion: Another UCLA study explored the potential role of pharmacists in expanding access to medication abortion. The research found that nearly 69 percent of California pharmacists were willing to prescribe medication abortion if permitted by law. However, barriers such as limited knowledge, confidence, and staffing were identified. Addressing these challenges through targeted training and expanded insurance coverage could make pharmacies a viable channel for providing this essential service, particularly in areas with limited access to clinics.
4. Barriers to Abortion Access in Progressive States: Even in states with supportive abortion policies like California, significant barriers to care persist. A study focused on Los Angeles revealed that eight percent of individuals seeking abortion services had to visit three or more clinics before obtaining care, often due to financial, logistical, and referral issues. This finding is a sobering reminder that legal protections alone are insufficient; systemic barriers must also be addressed to ensure equitable access to reproductive healthcare.
5. Telehealth and the Future of Abortion CareTab Title: The expansion of telehealth medication abortion services (tele-MAB) is a promising development in the face of increasing abortion restrictions. Research indicates that tele-MAB services are reaching communities traditionally underserved by clinic-based care, providing a crucial lifeline for those in restrictive states. As the landscape of reproductive healthcare continues to evolve, innovative models like tele-MAB will be essential in meeting the diverse needs of patients across the country.
6. Confronting the Legacy of Eugenics: The dark history of eugenics in the United States continues to cast a long shadow over reproductive justice. A 2023 study on racialization and reproduction revealed the disproportionate sterilization of Asian immigrants in 20th-century California, a practice rooted in eugenic ideologies. More recent reports of forced sterilizations in California’s prison system and immigration detention centers further underscore the ongoing need to confront these legacies and ensure reproductive autonomy for all.
7. The Consequences of Abortion Bans on Maternal and Infant Health: The ripple effects of restrictive abortion policies extend beyond reproductive autonomy. A recent study found that Texas’ 2021 abortion ban was associated with unexpected increases in infant and neonatal deaths. This troubling correlation suggests that such policies may have profound, unintended consequences on maternal and infant health, leading to increased trauma for families and higher medical costs.
Access the Reproductive Justice Research Roundup.
Learn more about these topics at our upcoming Barbra Streisand Lecture “A Requiem for Roe v. Wade: When Property Has No Privacy” on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
