Exploring Adolescent Abortion Information Sources and Preferences post- Dobbs in the Midwestern United States

Abstract

Adolescents face increasing obstacles to abortion services and information. Limited research post- Dobbs suggests that adolescents turn to social media for information, but more research is needed to understand where adolescents expect to find reliable information about abortion and access to care. We conducted in-depth interviews with participants aged 16–19 years from Midwestern states (Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Michigan, Ohio, and Minnesota) to explore how they engage with abortion information and which sources they trust and prefer. Interviews were conducted via Zoom between April and June 2023 and lasted from 30 to 45 minutes. Interviews were deidentified, transcribed, and coded in Dedoose to identify emergent themes. We interviewed 39 participants from 7 states. Social media emerged as the primary information source for participants, with specific mentions of platforms such as TikTok, Reddit, and YouTube. Many participants expressed skepticism of information on social media and often looked to verify from other sources, including friends or family. If a friend was seeking abortion, most participants emphasized helping them find safe and reliable information online or through trusted sources, like a local Planned Parenthood. In general, participants preferred engaging with reliable, easily accessible abortion online and through social media as well as in school health classes. Adolescents in the Midwestern United States primarily encounter abortion information via social media but rely on more trustworthy sources (e.g., clinics, government websites) for practical information. Trusted organizations and providers supporting youth access to abortion should consider outreach to adolescents via social media and leveraging this trust to direct youth to other validated sources.