Youth in the foster system deserve access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, education, and information. Youth in the foster system face disproportionately poor health outcomes in several reproductive health areas and often report barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health care (SRH) services. When youth are able to access SRH care, they often report negative health care experiences, such as feeling judged or shamed by providers who are not youth-centered and lack understanding and empathy. These disproportionately poor health outcomes and limited access to quality health care services are not the failure of foster youth; rather, these disparities result from the intersection of barriers at different levels that compound and impede a young person’s agency and ownership over their own health. A lack of explicit support from the adults responsible for youth in the foster system, frequent moves, and other barriers also contribute to these disparities.

Abortion access is a critical component of reproductive healthcare. Sexual and reproductive healthcare, especially abortion, is under attack, and barriers to care are increasing, especially for adolescents and young adults. RHEP conducted focus groups with current and former foster youth to deepen our understanding of foster youth’s attitudes, beliefs, and sources of information about abortion, as well as to better understand what resources and information are needed to improve foster youth’s experiences and access to abortion care in California. Foster youth shared that they often face complex and conflicting pressures when navigating pregnancy and abortion. Read key takeaways, youth responses, and potential solutions below.