Presenter: Talia Cohen-Vigder

Faculty Sponsor: Deborah Keisch

School: UMass Amherst

Research Area: Public Health and Epidemiology

Session: Poster Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, Auditorium, A22

ABSTRACT

As abortion laws and narratives evolve across the United States, the proliferation of abortion related misinformation has increased barriers to informed decision-making. With increasing restrictions and social stigma driving patients to seek reproductive information online, the prevalence of inaccurate data often undermines the ability to access timely care. This project addresses these challenges within the UMass Amherst community by evaluating student knowledge and enhancing direct access to reproductive resources. In collaboration with the Abortion Rights Fund of Western Massachusetts and UMass University Health Services, a study was developed to assess student awareness of on and off-campus reproductive healthcare. In response to the data collected, a peer education campaign was designed and implemented to bridge information gaps and encourage open discourse. This initiative involved the distribution of emergency and daily contraceptives, condoms, and evidence-based informational flyers through targeted campus tabling events. Ultimately, this project seeks to address barriers to reproductive health by empowering students with the tools to navigate a complex social, legal, and medical landscape through reliable and uncompromised information and care.