Abortion Access for Women Incarcerated in Federal Prisons Post-Roe v. Wade: A Content Analysis

• In Event: Correctional Health Care in Crisis

Abstract

The overturning of Roe v. Wade has sparked significant debate and concern regarding reproductive rights across the United States. This study employs content analysis to investigate the status of abortion access for women incarcerated in federal prisons following the landmark decision. The research examines policy documents, legal frameworks, and institutional practices to illuminate the extent to which abortion services are available and accessible to incarcerated women. Through a comprehensive review of relevant materials from 15 federal prisons which house women, the study aims to identify changes made to federal correctional facility policies post-Roe v. Wade now that states maintain the right to regulate this form of reproductive healthcare. The findings contribute to our understanding of the impact of legal changes on reproductive healthcare for marginalized populations, prison policy challenges and changes, and shedding light on the experiences of incarcerated women navigating reproductive choices within the criminal justice system. This research has implications for policy reform, dissemination of prison policy knowledge and reproductive healthcare access within the context of incarceration.

Authors

• Elias Taylor, John Jay College of Criminal Justice / CUNY Graduate Center

• Jeff Mellow, John Jay College of Criminal Justice