Author(s): Gary Hayden Lai
Mentor(s): Rachel Arocho
Institution UVU
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of “Roe v. Wade” in 2022, reproductive healthcare rights have become contentious. The legality and accessibility of fertility options vary considerably from state to state, leaving families uncertain about their options. Amidst conflicting political promises, families potentially face misinformation, uncertainty, and mistrust (m.u.m) surrounding abortion and in-vitro fertilization (IVF). This study aims to explore how m.u.m about fertility could be associated with delays in family formation and fertility decisions, specifically in Utah Valley, a region traditionally characterized by earlier marriages, high birth rates, and strong emphasis on family life. A survey was administered through convenience sampling in November of 2024 to capture these feelings during the election season (n = 202); with a potential second wave of responses forthcoming in February of 2025. To analyze the survey data, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) will be used to assess how m.u.m surrounding reproductive healthcare changes may be associated with future delays in family planning or childbearing decisions through hesitant attitudes towards family building. M.u.m will be represented by three latent variables (LVs): ‘misinformation’ (LV 1), ‘uncertainty’ (LV 2), and ‘mistrust’ (LV 3). Additionally, ‘attitudes’ toward family formation will be modeled as a latent outcome. Each latent variable will be measured separately in the contexts of abortion and IVF through corresponding survey indicators. Moderating variables, such as socioeconomic status (SES), religiosity, and education level, will be integrated into the model to assess whether and how they mediate the impact of the LVs on family decision-making and timing. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework will guide the interpretation of the SEM, contextualizing how the LVs intersect to influence attitudes toward family formation. Preliminary hypotheses include: 1) Higher levels of misinformation (LV 1) about reproductive options will lead to increased uncertainty (LV 2) regarding legal rights and healthcare access; 2) Increased uncertainty (LV 2) will contribute to higher levels of mistrust (LV 3) in government and healthcare institutions; and 3) Elevated levels of m.u.m will collectively be associated with family formation attitudes, with young families being more likely to delay childbearing or alter fertility plans. This pilot study aims to provide a foundation for future research on how m.u.m surrounding reproductive healthcare may influence family planning, particularly in regions beyond Utah Valley. Findings from this study could inform policymakers on how to address m.u.m by improving the clarity and reliability of reproductive healthcare information provided to families.