Group of four happy latino girls posed at street

Reproductive Health and Immigration Policy
A research study

The 1.3 million immigrant young people in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program navigate a climate of uncertainty, making it difficult to make long-term plans for their future. US states continue to reduce access to contraception and abortion, threatening people’s ability to control their lives and destinies. In addition to the restrictive reproductive health policy, DACA recipients' legal status is uncertain, with no pathway to citizenship.

Study Mission and Vision

The Study

We are conducting a longitudinal study to explore how immigration policy and reproductive health policy shape Latina young women’s lives and reproductive goals, and their ability to achieve them.

Over 12 months, people who participate in our study complete three interviews and brief weekly online surveys about their lives, including family, education, work, romantic or sexual partners, birth control use, and future goals.

The study is funded by the Betty Irene Moore Fellowship for Nurse Leaders and Innovators and the University of Colorado Population Research Center.

Mission and Vision

In this research study, we are following immigrant young women to explore how the intersection of reproductive health policy and immigration policy shapes their reproductive goals and life dreams.

We envision a world where everyone has access to healthcare to choose if and when to parent.

Research team

About us

We are a research team from the University of Colorado College of Nursing and the University of Colorado Denver. Kate Coleman-Minahan is the principal investigator, Edelina Burciaga is the co-investigator, and Sayury Chavez Carrillo is the research service professional.

Reproductive Health and Immigration Team
Kate Coleman-Minahan

Kate Coleman-Minahan

Kate is a researcher at the University of Colorado who studies reproductive health among young people and immigrant communities. She is a nurse practitioner and provides reproductive health care to young people in Southwest Colorado.

Edelina Burciaga

Edelina Burciaga

Edelina is a researcher at the University of Colorado. Her research focuses on Latina/o/x communities, immigrant young adults, and education.

Sayury Carrillo Chavez

Sayury Carrillo Chavez

Sayury is a researcher at the University of Colorado. Her work focuses on women's studies, abortion access, and immigration in the USA.

Reports / Resources

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