Community-driven data for reproductive rights
No data currently exists that shows how often refusals happen, where, and to whom. Our data is intended to apply a health equity lens to fill in research gaps and push back against discriminatory practices in access to contraceptives across communities – starting with refusals of care.
More than half of US states have “conscientious objector” laws in place that legally allow healthcare providers, including physicians and pharmacists, to refuse prescriptions, medical attention, or product sale to people seeking reproductive care based on their personal beliefs.
How we use data fight discrimination in reproductive care
Conscientious objectors not only create ethical issues in access to care, but have shown to reinforce prejudice and discriminatory practices by refusing care. Research shows that “conscientious objectors” are more likely to refuse service to women of color, LGBTQIA+ people, low income people, and people living in rural areas where access to healthcare providers are limited.
In March 2024, a first-of-its-kind legal decision found a Minnesota pharmacist guilty of sex-based discrimination for refusing to fill a valid emergency contraception prescription based on his personal beliefs. With expanded data insights, we envision a future where people-powered research can support future legal and legislative efforts to realize access to quality (reproductive) healthcare for all.
