Katie Massey Combs, Kaitlyn Doerge, Anna Wasim, Sharon Hoefer

Conclusions

Research documenting the impact of abortion access has focused on abortion providers and to some extent, those seeking abortions. However, there is little information about how social service providers are navigating pregnancy-related discussions with clients. Given that social service providers are often working with people who have experience historical and systematic oppression, it is critical that they can provide accurate information to clients.

Abortion is, and has been, a difficult topic for social service providers in Texas. Changes in policy to restrict abortion have clearly affected social service providers’ work as well as the lives of their clients. Confusion resounds around what resources are available, what is legal, and what information social service providers can legally provide to clients. This confusion, along with lack of guidance within their workplace, has contributed to a general code of silence around the topic of abortion. Additionally, resources are scant and reliable information supports are difficult to identify in the new landscape. Despite this, social service providers appear to be navigating policy changes to continue to provide informal information about abortion and continue to stand in the gap for clients when needed.