The perceived impact of a post-Dobbs landscape on U.S. adolescents and young adults

Objective(s): To capture the perspectives and knowledge of adolescents and young adults on abortion-related topics following the Dobbs decision.

Study design: Qualitative content analysis of an open-ended, five-question survey fielded on October 28, 2022 via the MyVoice project, a nationwide weekly text message poll of 14-24-year-olds.

Results: We found the respondents (N = 565, response rate 71%) had a mean age of 20.0 years and resided in 47 states. Many described pro- or anti-abortion changes to abortion access in their state, though expressed mixed emotions about the changes (negative, positive, or mixed/neutral). Most often, they had conversations about abortion with peers (28%), followed by parents or family (20%); nearly 20% stated they have never had a conversation about abortion. The majority of respondents (55%) believed they and their peers should have access to abortion care without required parental consent/notification, frequently citing individual rights/autonomy (31%) followed by harms of parental involvement (12%). Most (79%) provided a technique for how to determine if online information about abortion was trustworthy.

Conclusion(s): Four months after the Dobbs decision, this national sample of adolescents and young adults were aware of changes to abortion access, had conversations about abortion, shared diverse opinions on parental consent or notification laws, and could determine trustworthiness of online abortion resources. Abortion-related policy and practice can be improved by understanding adolescents' and young adults' needs and preferences, trusting and supporting their autonomy, and reducing barriers to care.

Implications: This study highlights the timely perspectives and experiences of a diverse, nationwide sample of adolescents and young adults on abortion-related topics. Findings can support centering adolescents and young adults in practice and policy changes to improve their knowledge about abortion and streamline access to essential reproductive health services post-Dobbs.