Reasons for Choosing Telehealth Abortion Among Pregnant People in the U.S. Based on Economic Position

• In Event: 30258 - Reproduction in the US Post-Roe

Abstract

Objective. To determine differences in the reasons for choosing telehealth abortion between economically advantaged and disadvantaged abortion seekers.

Method. Between 2021 and 2022, virtual U.S. clinics that offered medication abortion care gathered data for the California Home Abortion by Telehealth (CHAT) Study. Based on responses from 1,779 CHAT participants, we used logistic regression to analyze differences in the reported reasons for choosing telehealth abortion based on economic position.

Results. Economically disadvantaged abortion seekers, compared with their economically advantaged counterparts, were more likely to choose telehealth abortion because of cost, concerns regarding fear and discrimination associated with care at an in-person clinic, lack of transportation, and child or dependent care.

Conclusions. Economically disadvantaged people, who are seeking a telehealth abortion, consider a multitude of factors when making decisions about their abortion care. The lower price of a telehealth abortion may make this service preferable to abortion seekers in financially precarious positions. As state-level total abortion bans proliferate, telehealth can mitigate economic disparities in abortion access and reproductive care.

Authors

• Courtney E. Williams, University of Texas-Austin

• Andréa Becker, CUNY-Hunter College

• Leah Koenig

• Lisa Peters

• Ushma Upadhyay