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. 2020 Aug;102(2):109-114.
doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2020.04.008. Epub 2020 Apr 15.

Differences in abortion rates by race-ethnicity after implementation of a restrictive Texas law

Vinita Goyal  1 , Isabel H McLoughlin Brooks  2 , Daniel A Powers  2
Affiliations

Differences in abortion rates by race-ethnicity after implementation of a restrictive Texas law

Vinita Goyal et al. Contraception. 2020 Aug.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the association between a restrictive Texas law, House Bill 2 (HB2), and receipt of in-clinic abortion by patient's race-ethnicity.

Study design: In this retrospective cohort study, we collected Texas state statistics on number of abortions, abortions per county, and abortions per county by race-ethnicity for 2012, before HB2 was enacted, and 2015, after HB2 was in effect. Using female reproductive-aged population estimates, we calculated the abortion rate and percent change in the abortion rate between the two time periods by county, patient residence in a county with an open clinic or HB2-related clinic closure, and change in distance to an open clinic for each race-ethnicity. We also used geospatial analyses to depict the greatest decrease in abortion rate by race-ethnicity and county.

Results: In Texas, there were 64,716 reported abortions in 2012 and 54,253 in 2015. Statewide, there was a 20% decrease in the abortion rate affecting all racial-ethnic groups, yet the reduction was greater among Hispanic women compared to White women (-25% vs. -16%, respectively). The abortion rate also decreased more among those living in a county with an HB2-related clinic closure, especially for Hispanic women (-41% Hispanic vs. -29% White vs. -30% Black vs. -3% Other). Hispanic women whose travel distance increased 100+ miles had the greatest reduction in the abortion rate (-43%). Geospatial mapping confirmed our quantitative findings.

Conclusion: HB2 led to a disproportionate reduction in the abortion rate among Hispanic women in Texas, including those living in counties with a closed clinic or traveling long distances to obtain in-clinic abortion care.

Implications: Restrictive abortion policies in Texas may disproportionately burden Hispanic women and those affected by clinic closures.

Keywords: Abortion rate; Disparity; Induced abortion; Legislation; Race–ethnicity.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Percent decrease in abortion rate between 2012 and 2015 in Texas by patient county of residence (A) overall and (B) Hispanic patients.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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