Differences in Abortion Rates by Race-ethnicity After Implementation of a Restrictive Texas Law

Objective: To evaluate the association between a restrictive Texas law, House Bill 2 (HB2), and receipt of in-clinic abortion by patient's race-ethnicity.

Study Design: In this retrospective cohort study, we collected Texas state statistics on number of abortions, abortions per county, and abortions per county by race-ethnicity for 2012, before HB2 was enacted, and 2015, after HB2 was in effect. Using female reproductive-aged population estimates, we calculated the abortion rate and percent change in the abortion rate between the two time periods by county, patient residence in a county with an open clinic or HB2-related clinic closure, and change in distance to an open clinic for each race-ethnicity. We also used geospatial analyses to depict the greatest decrease in abortion rate by race-ethnicity and county.

Results: In Texas, there were 64,716 reported abortions in 2012 and 54,253 in 2015. Statewide, there was a 20% decrease in the abortion rate affecting all racial-ethnic groups, yet the reduction was greater among Hispanic women compared to White women (-25% vs. -16%, respectively). The abortion rate also decreased more among those living in a county with an HB2-related clinic closure, especially for Hispanic women (-41% Hispanic vs. -29% White vs. -30% Black vs. -3% Other). Hispanic women whose travel distance increased 100+ miles had the greatest reduction in the abortion rate (-43%). Geospatial mapping confirmed our quantitative findings.

Conclusion: HB2 led to a disproportionate reduction in the abortion rate among Hispanic women in Texas, including those living in counties with a closed clinic or traveling long distances to obtain in-clinic abortion care.

Implications: Restrictive abortion policies in Texas may disproportionately burden Hispanic women and those affected by clinic closures.