Sophia Kelly
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Vanessa Dalton
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Obstetrics and Gynecology / Medicine
Program: UROPF
Session: Session 2 (10:00am – 10:50am)
Authors: Sophia Kelly, Vanessa Dalton , Kamilah Davis-Wilson
Abstract
The UROP Research on Title X Family Planning Program focuses on how in August 2019, the Health and Human Services (HHS) implemented new regulations for the program that prohibited Title X-funded health centers from referring abortion services even when they were requested by the patient. This resulted in 1 in 5 grantees withdrawing from the family planning program. Statistically, Title X clients are disproportionately racial and ethnic minorities and the health centers were the only source of reproductive health care in rural areas. Within this research, we looked at three different sources of important information. First, we characterize changes in Title X grantee profiles, spending, and geographic location in Michigan counties between 2017 and 2022. Using data from sources like social explorer we conducted a data sheet that helps us create a heat map of the different health outcomes within different Michigan communities. Including teen pregnancy and abortion rates within the state. We also conducted interviews with patients in the Muskegon area that had one of their reproductive health centers closed down. This part of the study allowed us to see how the closing of health centers because of HHS regulations affected individuals first-hand. The findings of this research will help explain how racial and ethnic areas of Michigan are hit harder by public policy changes that affect reproductive and other health centers.
