How Researchers Used Reddit to Study Abortion Access After Roe v. Wade
Justin Chen
Summary
Researcher Betsy Pleasants analyzed Reddit discussions to understand how the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade affected abortion access across America. By using AI tools to examine real patient experiences shared online, Pleasants developed a framework that combines computational analysis with human-centered research. This approach reveals the concrete barriers women face in obtaining reproductive healthcare, from travel costs to state legal restrictions. The study demonstrates how social media data can illuminate public health challenges while maintaining focus on individual patient stories and struggles.
