In States with Abortion Bans, Community Health Center Patients Face Challenges Getting Reproductive Health Care

Commonwealth Fund September 5, 2024
Caitlin Murphy, Peter Shin, Feygele Jacobs, Kay Johnson

TOPLINES

Community health center patients in states with abortion bans face mounting challenges to getting the reproductive health care services they need.

Since the reversal of Roe. v. Wade, community health centers have been challenged by rising demand for reproductive health services, a worsening ob-gyn workforce shortage, and hospital maternity unit closures

Community health centers (CHCs) provide services to many underserved populations and communities, including low-income families, communities of color, rural residents, and people living in maternity care deserts.

However, after the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, CHCs have faced accumulating stressors. Among these are an increased demand for contraception and maternity care, a deepening ob-gyn workforce shortage, and hospital maternity unit closures that undermine...

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