Financial, Social, and Demographic Factors Associated With Obtaining an Abortion: A Longitudinal Study in Indiana in 2021-2022

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to 1) characterize those who did and did not obtain an abortion and reasons why, and 2) evaluate the association between various facilitators, including financial and social support, and accessing an abortion.

Methods: Between June 2021 and April 2022, we recruited pregnant Indiana residents considering abortion through online posts, abortion funds, and abortion clinics. Respondents completed an online baseline survey and a follow-up survey 1 month later. Surveys collected information on sociodemographic characteristics, barriers and facilitators to abortion, and pregnancy outcome.

Results: Among 221 participants, 77% obtained an abortion within 1 month. Among online and abortion fund recruits, those who identified as Black or African American or Hispanic/Latinx and those without insurance were less likely to have had an abortion than were white and insured participants. Financial support from abortion funds and clinics and social support from peer networks were associated with higher odds of accessing abortion care 1 month later. Among participants still seeking abortion at 1 month or who had given birth, 64% reported that needing to gather money to pay for the abortion or travel expenses/lodging was a barrier to care. Among those who were no longer considering abortion at 1 month and planned to continue their pregnancy, 28% reported doing so because they did not have the money for an abortion.

Conclusions: In a restrictive state policy environment, receipt of financial and social support was associated with greater likelihood of obtaining abortion within a month of reporting considering or seeking it among a sample of pregnant people in Indiana.