Latinas and women of color are disproportionately affected by abortion restrictions but remain underrepresented in legal challenges and media coverage, abortion advocates say. This disparity highlights the limited resources Hispanic women have in accessing abortion care, especially since Roe v. Wade was overturned.
A recent analysis found that since Texas enacted severe abortion restrictions in 2021, the fertility rate for Hispanic women and teens soared, while it dropped for their white counterparts. This suggests the restrictions have had an outsized impact on Latinas.
In a lawsuit filed by the Center for Reproductive Rights challenging Texas’ abortion ban, only about 20% of plaintiffs are Latinas, despite Hispanics making up 40% of the state’s population. An analysis showed that a Hispanic plaintiff received about 44% fewer news stories than a white plaintiff in the same suit, even though they testified on the same day.
Lupe M. Rodríguez, executive director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, explains that the same barriers Hispanic women face when seeking abortions – such as less access to health care and low-wage jobs – also hinder their participation in lawsuits.
Molly Duane, lead attorney in the Texas lawsuit, acknowledges the stark contrast in healthcare treatment between her Latina and white clients. She expresses concern that some of the most affected populations are least represented in legal challenges.
Despite these obstacles, some Hispanic women are sharing their stories to prevent others from facing similar situations. Samantha Casiano and Ashley Brandt, both plaintiffs in the Texas lawsuit, emphasize the importance of raising awareness about the impact of abortion restrictions on women’s lives.
See “Abortion rights movement needs more Latina voices, advocates say” (February 6, 2024)
