Barriers to Women's Health in South Carolina: A Study Review

A recent study by the Urban Institute underscores significant barriers faced by women in South Carolina in accessing essential reproductive health services, revealing that 31% of women aged 18 to 49 did not receive necessary care in 2024 and 2025.

This study, part of the Reproductive Health Experience and Access Study, highlights myriad obstacles contributing to this gap, including the cost of services, lack of insurance, and limited appointment availability. Such barriers reflect a broader national trend seen across multiple states, where access to vital services like pelvic exams, cancer screenings, and fertility care poses challenges, especially among marginalized communities.

In South Carolina, the situation is particularly concerning for specific demographics. The study reports that 48% of women with disabilities face unmet needs, alongside 33% of women without a college degree, 39% of uninsured women, 38% of low-wage earners, and 49% of those identifying with diverse sexual orientations and genders. The findings suggest systemic healthcare disparities exacerbated by socioeconomic factors and insufficient healthcare infrastructure, particularly a shortage of OB-GYN providers.

Impact of Legal and Policy Environment

The report notes that these access challenges are not directly attributed to the Supreme Court's 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which led to restrictive abortion laws. However, the implementation of the Fetal Heartbeat Act in South Carolina—which limits abortions to before six weeks—may indirectly influence the healthcare climate, discouraging providers from practicing in the area due to policy restrictions.

Emily Johnston, co-principal investigator, stresses the need to understand the local barriers to reproductive health through continued research and policy advocacy. Focus group discussions with healthcare providers, policymakers, and advocacy groups emphasized how legal restrictions contribute to the broader difficulty in accessing services.

Community Responses and Ongoing Challenges

Community efforts are underway to address these challenges. Dr. Kari Allen-Harrington, a Columbia-based physician, notes that the percentage of women without access to care mirrors national statistics, approximately 30%. Despite these daunting numbers, healthcare advocates in South Carolina are working to implement pragmatic solutions within the constraints of state and federal budgets.

• Partnership Initiatives: Local practices, like Sanctuary Birth and Fertility, collaborate with birth and childcare workers to enhance reproductive health service delivery.
• Targeted Support: Emphasis is placed on providing infertility assistance and reproductive services to women who are uninsured or part of marginalized groups.
• Advocacy and Awareness: Community organizations are striving to raise awareness and mobilize support to address systemic issues in reproductive healthcare access.

The Urban Institute's study points to a broader need for policy reforms and increased healthcare accessibility to support women's health more equitably. As the complete study results and focus group insights are published, they promise a richer understanding of the specific obstacles faced by South Carolina women in accessing vital reproductive health services.