PATIENT PERSPECTIVES ON OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL FOR ABORTION CARE POST-DOBBS

Abstract

Objectives

This study examines the travel experiences of patients receiving abortion services out of state including financial, logistical, and social-emotional barriers.

Methods

We electronically administered a post-visit survey to abortion patients traveling to two Planned Parenthood affiliates located in the Midwest and Southwest in 2023 (N_tot=510). We conducted descriptive and bivariable analysis to examine travel distance and travel-related barriers and whether they differed by race/ethnicity and age.

Results

86% of respondents traveled because abortion was not legal in their home state. The median one-way travel distance was 450 miles. Half of the respondents reported taking unpaid time off work, 46% reported concealing whereabouts from family/friends, and 32% reported paying to stay overnight. Nearly 1 in 3 reported not getting care as early as desired (30%) - top reasons were not being able to get an appointment (46%), not having enough money (43%), not being able to take time off from work / school (32%) and not knowing abortion was not available in their home state (32%). Median distance was greater for Hispanic/Latina respondents (median=700 miles) compared to other racial/ethnic groups (median_wht=300, median_blk=160, p=0.001). Younger respondents were more likely to pay to stay overnight (40%) than older respondents (29%, p=0.004). White (55%) and Hispanic/Latina (51%) respondents were more likely to conceal their whereabouts than Black respondents (30%, p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Abortion patients traveling regionally in the Southwest and Midwest experienced notable barriers, including delays in obtaining care and taking unpaid time off work. Travel barriers may differentially affect patient subgroups, such as young people.