Patient Knowledge of Abortion Laws in an Unrestricted Versus Restricted State [ID 1188]

INTRODUCTION: Dobbs v Jackson triggered new abortion laws across the country. We evaluate patient knowledge of current legislation in a highly restricted and a less restricted state. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey recruited participants presenting for care in ambulatory ObGyn clinics in two academic centers in South Carolina (SC) and Massachusetts (MA) between June 2024 and January 2025. Surveys evaluated correct knowledge about current abortion legislation. We generated frequencies and comparative analyses with STATA. RESULTS: Of 201 respondents (n=101 SC and n=100 MA), 94.5% were aware of the Dobbs decision (94% MA versus 95% SC, P =.90). Fewer reported detailed knowledge of state laws (23% MA, 35% SC, P =.18). Participants were predominantly White (81.5%) with college or higher education (92.4%) and mean age 32. Most respondents in SC knew that laws became more restrictive (83%), whereas few in MA knew that laws became less restrictive (3%, P <.001). One in 10 SC respondents indicated abortion was never legal. More respondents in SC versus MA correctly identified legal gestational duration (71% versus 57%, P =.04). Correct knowledge about legal exceptions varied with more SC respondents correct about nonfatal anomalies (91% versus 59%, P <.001) and more MA respondents correct about fatal anomalies (86% versus 60%, P <.001), maternal conditions with risk of death (89% versus 71%, P =.002), and serious but nonfatal maternal conditions (52% versus 12%, P <.001). CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Many respondents in both SC and MA lacked accurate knowledge about changes and current parameters of state laws governing abortion. Knowledge barriers may prevent patients from seeking legal care.