Olivia Janette
Research Mentor(s): Julie Maslowsky
Mentor Department: Health Behavior and Biological Sciences
Authors: Julie Maslowsky, Julie Maslowsky
Session: Session 3 (11:00am – 11:50am)
Presentation Type: Poster 76
Abstract
Minors are significantly underrepresented in abortion research, despite significant evidence showing that adolescents obtain abortions. Preliminary results from our ongoing study indicate that only 29% of studies on abortion include minors, and very few of those offer any insights specifically about minors. This exclusion not only marginalizes their experiences but limits their access to proper health care. Our study consists of a scoping review of the abortion literature to determine whether and to what extent minors’ abortion experiences are represented in the scientific literature. According to Human and Health Services, minors can participate in research without parental consent if the research poses no risk to human subjects. Researchers often perceive the requirement of parental consent as an obstacle, yet existing data indicates that most parents would grant consent to their child to participate in sexual-health related research. Professional organizations also endorse the importance of minors’ participation in such research. Although there are some barriers that make it more challenging to include minors in abortion studies, there is still no justifiable reason as to why minors are almost always excluded from abortion research when there is limited risk to human subjects. Addressing this gap in information is critical to broadening the access to health care for all age groups.
