abstract: 'Background: At a time when most states are working to restrict abortion,

  Massachusetts stands out as one of the few states with multiple

  state-level policies in place that support abortion access for

  low-income women. In 2006, Massachusetts passed health care reform,

  which resulted in almost all residents having insurance. Also, almost

  all state-level public and subsidized insurance programs cover abortion

  and there are fewer restrictions on abortion in Massachusetts compared

  with other states.

  Methods: We explored low-income women''s experiences accessing abortion

  in Massachusetts through 27 in-depth telephone interviews with a

  racially diverse sample of low-income women who obtained abortions.

  Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed

  thematically.

  Results: Most women described having access to timely, conveniently

  located, affordable, and highly acceptable abortion care. However, a

  sizable minority of women had difficulty enrolling in or staying on

  insurance, making abortion expensive. A small minority of women said

  their abortion care could be improved by increasing emotional support

  and privacy, and decreasing appointment times. Some limited data also

  suggest that young women and immigrant women face specific barriers to

  care.

  Conclusion: This study provides important, novel information about the

  need for state-level policies that support access to health insurance

  and comprehensive abortion coverage. Such policies, along with a

  well-functioning health care environment, help to ensure that low-income

  women have access to abortion. However, not all abortion access

  challenges have been resolved in Massachusetts. More work is needed to

  ensure that all women can access affordable, confidential care that is

  responsive to their specific needs and preferences. Copyright (C) 2015

  by the Jacobs Institute of Women''s Health. Published by Elsevier Inc.'
affiliation: 'Dennis, A (Corresponding Author), Ibis Reprod Hlth, 17 Dunster St,Suite
  201, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA.

  Dennis, Amanda; Manski, Ruth; Blanchard, Kelly, Ibis Reprod Hlth, Cambridge, MA
  02138 USA.'
author: Dennis, Amanda and Manski, Ruth and Blanchard, Kelly
author-email: adennis@ibisreproductivehealth.org
author_list:
- family: Dennis
  given: Amanda
- family: Manski
  given: Ruth
- family: Blanchard
  given: Kelly
da: '2023-09-28'
doi: 10.1016/j.whi.2015.04.004
eissn: 1878-4321
files: []
issn: 1049-3867
journal: WOMENS HEALTH ISSUES
keywords-plus: HEALTH-CARE; UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS; REFORM; SERVICES
language: English
month: SEP-OCT
number: '5'
number-of-cited-references: '44'
pages: 463-469
papis_id: 54ac24320efeb0f18eeb8db3fe9f2a9c
ref: Dennis2015qualitativeexplorati
times-cited: '12'
title: A Qualitative Exploration of Low-Income Women's Experiences Accessing Abortion
  in Massachusetts
type: article
unique-id: WOS:000361060400007
usage-count-last-180-days: '0'
usage-count-since-2013: '10'
volume: '25'
web-of-science-categories: Public, Environmental \& Occupational Health; Women's Studies
year: '2015'