Pre-Dobbs Perspectives on Abortion Restrictions From Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence in Pennsylvania

From 2017 to 2029, we performed a study exploring reproductive health needs, concerns, and experiences of woman-identifying intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors that included soliciting their opinions on various abortion restriction policies relevant in Pennsylvania prior to the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (Dobbs) decision.

We conducted semi-structured interviews with IPV survivors regarding their opinions and perspectives related to abortion care and specific abortion policies. This article focuses on their reactions to and thoughts about three abortion restrictions: mandated counseling scripts, 24-hour (24-h) waiting periods, and spousal notification requirements. We coded and reviewed interview transcriptions to identify patterns and themes.

Participants described how the complexity of their IPV experiences shaped their opinions on abortion. They also described concerns about potential physical and psychological risks for people experiencing IPV with all three restrictions. Although they noted that the 24-h waiting period could also have risks, they acknowledged possible benefit in having time to consider options and advised using the time to provide IPV-related support and information.

Our findings highlight how the context and complexity of IPV situations may lead to nuances in survivors' personal opinions regarding abortion. Additionally, while survivors described concerns for unique safety challenges from abortion restrictions, they also suggested ideas on how to make these policies more useful by providing IPV support and resources. Although this study was conducted prior to Dobbs, our analysis adds insight to the implications of current abortion restrictions on those experiencing IPV.