Examining Accessibility of Freestanding Abortion Clinics for People With Disabilities [ID 2683401

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: People with disabilities face numerous barriers to equitable health care but have a fundamental right to safe abortion care. This study reviews the accessibility of freestanding abortion clinics in the United States for those with disabilities. METHODS: A quantitative data analysis was performed. All freestanding abortion clinics registered with the Abortion Care Network were included except those directly affiliated with a university or general gynecology clinic and those exclusively operating online. Two independent reviewers analyzed clinic websites after an interrater reliability test. Independent variables analyzed included Flesch Reading Ease score, presence of a statement affirming dignity for all persons, online appointment scheduling, transparent pricing, and financial assistance information. RESULTS: Seventy-two clinics were included. No clinic explicitly stated that their facilities were accessible to individuals with disabilities. Fifty-four percent had a statement affirming dignity for all persons, most of which were in the Northeast or West Coast. 6% had an accessibility widget, and 63% had online appointment scheduling. Mean Flesch Reading Ease score was 55.37 correlating to a 10th- to 12th-grade reading level. 33% had transparent pricing information, and 71% offered information on financial assistance. CONCLUSION: Several accessibility barriers were identified on these websites. Freestanding abortion clinics should focus on enhancing accessibility by explicitly affirming dignity for all patients, providing clear information on facility accessibility, and implementing an accessibility widget, online scheduling, and transparent pricing. Furthermore, these websites should be written at an easily comprehensible reading level. These simple changes would make these clinics more accessible for those with disabilities.