Radio Talk: Reproductive Justice, Low SES, and Insurance!

By: Vanessa Dang

I am a student whose goal is to become a better storyteller. I find myself wanting to coherently tell my own story and someone else's in a way that is through outlets that are not often used. This method speaks to me because I find myself being more in the zone with an audio format instead of a visual representation of my work. Through this project, I hope to raise awareness, facts, and questions to the audience about reproductive justice around the world. Fortunately, we in Illinois are privileged with services, however, other states have had their own circumstances where other women are not getting the care that they deserve and I want to shed light on this issue. I used sources from Katrina Kimport to assist me in acquiring personal stories of many women of low socioeconomic background and their experiences in searching for reproductive care.

What are the restrictions that insurance policies place reproductive rights on those of low socioeconomic status?

Script to follow along!

*Host:*

Greetings, dear listeners. This is Vanessa Dang on THEO 203 radio station and today, we embark on a profound exploration into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of women's health — the barriers they confront with insurance when seeking reproductive care. Settle in for these next moments as we traverse the facts, stories, and challenges that demand our attention.

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*Host:*

Let's paint a comprehensive picture of the landscape of reproductive care. This isn't just about medical check-ups; it's about the well-being of women's care and the access that they have, especially with those of low socioeconomic backgrounds.

Did you know that in far too many cases, insurance plans fall short when it comes to covering essential reproductive services? Routine screenings, contraceptive options, and vital maternity care are often met with limited coverage.

19 states in the USA have required insurers to cover specifically infertility diagnoses. These states are, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia, mandated on August 31, 2020. Notably, California and Texas require services, but these services are not covered financially. However, in California, employers are able to pick and choose what services can be covered regarding infertility services. That's kind of messed up in my opinion. It is even worse with the current bans on abortion, many states are nearing a total ban with limited exceptions for women's autonomy.

*Host:*

I, myself, have had limited coverage based on Medicaid. I have not received OBGYN care due to my insurance not being able to cover my visits and contraceptives became difficult to obtain. One of my peers, who is also on the same Medicaid program that I am on, stated that the appointment where she found out that she had endometriosis, a disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside the uterus, her insurance refused to pay for that diagnosis. My story and my peers, although common, do not highlight some of the stories that I have researched.

During the moments of the court overturning Roe v. Wade, there was a boom in stories where women had to travel far and wide to receive abortion care and many clinics shut down. Notably Planned Parenthood clinics, that accept Medicaid, became scarce or overbooked, leading to long wait times and healthcare professional burnout.

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This is a story I have read from Katrina Kimport, "No Real Choice: How Culture and Politics Matter for Reproductive Autonomy (Families in Focus)" and the book focuses on the issues of the USA regarding abortions. I will highlight a story from a Louisiana woman who suffers from receiving care that I hope enlightens you.

An example is from a 26-year-old woman from Louisiana by the name of Tyler who had to live with the "two-visit" requirement that was set in place. With her job and 2 children, she didn't have the opportunity to receive an early appointment during her first trimester, which she had enough money to pay for. She didn't have time off her job until her second trimester. This constitutes increased out-of-pocket costs and the constraints of having two visits to even start care makes it so difficult for those whose livelihood depends on work. Women who are more affluent may have more control over their schedule and are able to meet the "two-visit" policy that Tyler was not able to make. This was before the overturn of Roe v. Wade.

It is unfair for the mother and child to birth and born during a hard financial situation or if the mother cannot afford to take care of a baby if (for example) they are underaged or if they physically cannot take care of the baby after they are born. In practice, a 2013 study from Briggs, Gould, and Foster, states that approximately 1% of pregnancies where women receive an abortion is from rape.

Louisiana now is under a total ban along with a handful of other states.

*Host:*

Consider the power of individual voices sharing their experiences. These stories create ripples that transform into waves of change. Advocacy is not just a buzzword; it's a call to action. Imagine a movement where communities, individuals, and policymakers join forces to dismantle the barriers obstructing women's access to quality reproductive care.

One thing to consider is, what constitutes someone in gaining if they are eligible for medical assistance at all. In Texas, adults must be disabled or parents, and, even then, a single person with two kids cannot make more than $230 a month to qualify, that is fraction of the federal poverty level. Policies need to be changed.

Reproductive services should be made easier, A doctor from New York has stated in a Washington Post article travels 800 miles to provide services like abortions to those who are limited in services. This should not be the case and women's health and accessible services should be more forgiving for doctors and patients alike. With this research I found myself being more enlightened about issues about reproductive health outside of my own experiences. I believe that women's autonomy is a priority and the restrictions of this autonomy, coupled with restrictions on access, cannot foster a future where women can receive care for their own bodies,

As we look ahead, envision a world where every woman has access to the reproductive care she deserves. It's a world where insurance plans are not obstacles but allies in the journey of women's health. How do we get there?

It starts with informed conversations, where we share stories, amplify voices, and break down the systemic barriers that persist. Policy changes are not a distant dream but a tangible goal, achievable through persistent advocacy and collective action.

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*Host:*

As we conclude our brief dive into the barriers women face with insurance in reproductive care, remember that this is not just about facts and stories. It's about acknowledging the systemic gaps and actively participating in the conversation.

Thank you for joining me on this extended exploration today. Let's continue to shine a light on these issues, fostering a future where every woman has the access and support she deserves. This is Vanessa Dang, signing off THEO 203 radio station.