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Geographic Realities of Abortion Access in Texas: Exploring the Heterogeneous Effects of Texas Senate Bill 8 with Mobile Phone Data

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  • Jessica Miller

    (Population Research Institute, and Social Science Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University)

  • Guangqing Chi

    (Population Research Institute, and Social Science Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University)

Abstract

Restrictive abortion policies have generated reductions in abortion access, increased travel distance to abortion clinics as a result of clinic closures, and produced declines in maternal health outcomes. This study explores the effects of Texas Senate Bill 8 (SB8), the most restrictive bill prior to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, on abortion access in Texas. We used a difference-in-differences approach to explore the heterogeneous effects of SB8 on abortion access for communities of varying socioeconomic statuses and travel distances using 16 months of SafeGraph Inc. mobile phone pattern data for 21 Texas and four Oklahoma abortion clinics between January 1, 2021, and April 30, 2022. Implementation of SB8 was associated with 34% fewer abortion clinic visits in Texas than in Oklahoma. The effects of SB8 on access to abortion care across state borders had a disproportionately greater impact on women in low-income communities. This study provides further evidence of the discriminatory impacts of SB8 in Texas.

Suggested Citation

  • Jessica Miller & Guangqing Chi, 2025. "Geographic Realities of Abortion Access in Texas: Exploring the Heterogeneous Effects of Texas Senate Bill 8 with Mobile Phone Data," Population Research and Policy Review, Springer;Southern Demographic Association (SDA), vol. 44(3), pages 1-15, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:poprpr:v:44:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s11113-025-09948-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s11113-025-09948-0
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    1. Gerdts, C. & Fuentes, L. & Grossman, D. & White, K. & Keefe-Oates, B. & Baum, S.E. & Hopkins, K. & Stolp, C.W. & Potter, J.E., 2016. "Impact of clinic closures on women obtaining abortion services after implementation of a restrictive law in Texas," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 106(5), pages 857-864.
    2. Dehlendorf, C. & Harris, L.H. & Weitz, T.A., 2013. "Disparities in abortion rates: A public health approach," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(10), pages 1772-1779.
    3. Lindo, Jason M. & Pineda-Torres, Mayra, 2021. "New Evidence on the Effects of Mandatory Waiting Periods for Abortion," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    4. Caitlin Myers, 2024. "Forecasts for a post‐Roe America: The effects of increased travel distance on abortions and births," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 43(1), pages 39-62, January.
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