A study by Guttmacher on the demographics of late term abortions shows that black women and less educated women (which refers to both women that did not finish high school and those that either earned a GED or a high school diploma) are the most likely to get a second trimester abortion, which are more costly, harder to access, and pose more health risks than procedures performed earlier in pregnancy. Late detection of pregnancy; cost; barriers to access; and difficulty deciding what to do are some of the reasons that women get second trimester abortions. When asked, these women said that they preferred to receive earlier abortions. The study concluded that black women and those less educated would benefit the most from early access to abortion services. But for this to happen, the pro-choice movement needs to better address the issue of finding comprehensive solutions to abortion accessibility.

Minority and less-educated women are less likely to have their voices heard in the reproductive movements, because they, as a political identity, have less access to institutions of power. Without discounting the vital work of organizations like SisterSong, I think that the larger reproductive movement can do more to address the needs of minority and less-educated women. Without fully understanding the needs of these populations, the movement cannot completely successful in reproductive justice. This study by Guttmacher is a great step towards providing a foundation for future actions. [Read more...]