Another disaster: Access to abortion after Hurricane Harvey

Health Care Women Int. 2020 Oct;41(10):1111-1127. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2020.1833883. Epub 2020 Nov 10.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Induced*
  • Abortion, Spontaneous
  • Adult
  • Cyclonic Storms*
  • Disasters
  • Female
  • Floods*
  • Health Services Accessibility*
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Qualitative Research
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Texas
  • Violence / psychology*