Purpose: Given the changing landscape of abortion access, we sought to understand where adolescents and young adults retrieve information about abortion online.
Methods: A nationwide sample (n = 638) of 14- to 24-year-olds responded to a qualitative text message survey in July 2022 regarding websites or social media they would use for abortion-related information. Open-ended responses were coded and analyzed for themes.
Results: Forty-six percent of respondents (n = 234) named specific websites or accounts of known organizations or individuals; 14% named general clinical or governmental resources; and 13% named social media platforms. Eight percent expressed skeptical sentiments about online abortion information. 17% (n = 99) said they were not sure or did not have an opinion.
Discussion: Many adolescents and young adults could name an online resource for abortion information, but some are not aware of specific resources, underscoring a need to elevate reputable sources and provide guidance on how and where to look for accurate online abortion-related information.
Keywords: Abortion; Access; Adolescents; Law; Legal; Media; Online; Sources; Technology.
Copyright © 2023 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.