Lauren J Ralph1, Erin King2, Elise Belusa3, Diana Greene Foster3, Claire D Brindis4, M Antonia Biggs3. 1. Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH), Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, Oakland, California. Electronic address: Lauren.Ralph@ucsf.edu. 2. Hope Clinic for Women, Ltd, Granite City, Illinois. 3. Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH), Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, Oakland, California. 4. Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
Abstract
PURPOSE: This study aims to examine the impact of a parental notification (PN) requirement on the frequency, timing, and out-of-state travel of minors seeking abortion, as well as changes in who minors involve in their decision, support received, and decision certainty. METHODS: We analyzed administrative and medical records of 1,577 women obtaining an abortion before and after implementation of a PN requirement at one Illinois facility. Using multivariate regression within a difference-in-differences framework, we quantified changes in the number and timing of women seeking care, frequency of parental awareness and support, travel from out-of-state, decision certainty, and anticipated coping among minors 17 years and below compared with young adults (YAs) aged 18-20 years. RESULTS: A smaller proportion of abortions to women ages 20 years and under post-law were among minors (39%-33%, p = .017). Compared with YAs, minors experienced a larger increase in parental awareness (71%-93% [minors] vs. 53%-58% [YAs], p < .000]; however, parents' support for the decision was unchanged. The proportion of minors certain of their decision went from 77% pre-law to 71% post-law (p = .099) compared with 82% pre- and post-law among YAs (p = .798). Compared with YAs, a larger proportion of minors obtained second trimester care post-law if coming from another state (21%-31% [minors] vs. 23%-16% [YAs], p = .022). CONCLUSIONS: Illinois' PN requirement was associated with a decrease in the number of abortions among minors, delayed care for those from out-of-state, increased parental awareness of the pregnancy, and no change in parents' support.
PURPOSE: This study aims to examine the impact of a parental notification (PN) requirement on the frequency, timing, and out-of-state travel of minors seeking abortion, as well as changes in who minors involve in their decision, support received, and decision certainty. METHODS: We analyzed administrative and medical records of 1,577 women obtaining an abortion before and after implementation of a PN requirement at one Illinois facility. Using multivariate regression within a difference-in-differences framework, we quantified changes in the number and timing of women seeking care, frequency of parental awareness and support, travel from out-of-state, decision certainty, and anticipated coping among minors 17 years and below compared with young adults (YAs) aged 18-20 years. RESULTS: A smaller proportion of abortions to women ages 20 years and under post-law were among minors (39%-33%, p = .017). Compared with YAs, minors experienced a larger increase in parental awareness (71%-93% [minors] vs. 53%-58% [YAs], p < .000]; however, parents' support for the decision was unchanged. The proportion of minors certain of their decision went from 77% pre-law to 71% post-law (p = .099) compared with 82% pre- and post-law among YAs (p = .798). Compared with YAs, a larger proportion of minors obtained second trimester care post-law if coming from another state (21%-31% [minors] vs. 23%-16% [YAs], p = .022). CONCLUSIONS: Illinois' PN requirement was associated with a decrease in the number of abortions among minors, delayed care for those from out-of-state, increased parental awareness of the pregnancy, and no change in parents' support.
Authors: Heidi Moseson; Jane W Seymour; Carmela Zuniga; Alexandra Wollum; Anna Katz; Terri-Ann Thompson; Caitlin Gerdts Journal: PLoS One Date: 2022-03-03 Impact factor: 3.240