Latinas' knowledge about abortion laws and services in San Francisco, Boston and New York City

Latinas in the US have higher rates of unintended pregnancy than non-Latina whites, yet little research has examined Latinas' knowledge about abortion laws and services. We conducted a survey in clinics serving low-income women in San Francisco, Boston and New York City. We compared knowledge about abortion laws and services among Latinas vs. non-Latinas, and examined other demographic, reproductive and acculturation factors that are associated with accurate knowledge. 1,262 women age 15-45 participated; 758 were Latina and 499 non-Latina. 27% of Latinas correctly identified the gestational age limit for abortion in their state compared with 48% of non-Latinas (p<0.001). 26% of Latinas correctly knew their state laws about partner and parental consent, compared with 48% of non-Latinas (p<0.001). 48% of Latinas knew of a place to obtain an abortion if they needed one, compared with 70% of non-Latinas (p<0.001). In bivariate analysis, in addition to Latina ethnicity, other variables associated with accurate knowledge about laws and services included higher education level, being single, being a 3rd generation American (compared to 1st or 2nd generation immigrant), being an immigrant living >6 years in the US (compared to more recent migration), having completed education in the US, and having less preference for Spanish (all p<.05). Multivariate regression results will be presented. Latinas have less knowledge of abortion laws and services compared with non-Latinas. Interventions are needed to inform this population about abortion laws and services, especially among predominantly Spanish speakers and more recent immigrants.