Examining the Effect of a Randomized Media Intervention on Knowledge and Support of Abortion Restrictions: A Case Study in the South

Context Abortion restrictions diminish access and perpetuate hostility toward abortion seekers. Support for restrictions is high, but at the same time, understanding of restrictions is low. We evaluated the effectiveness of a video intervention designed to increase knowledge of abortion restrictions in Arkansas and evaluated whether hearing a person’s abortion experience changed their support for restrictions. Methods Using a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design, we randomly assigned a convenience sample of Arkansas residents ( N = 369) to view one of two video conditions, either information on abortion legislation only or information followed by an abortion testimonial, in 2018. We compared knowledge of abortion restrictions (KAR) and support for abortion restrictions (SAR) across time with repeated-measures analyses of variance and McNemar’s tests. Results Knowledge increased over time for both groups and was higher among testimonial-watching participants. The 20-week abortion ban, counseling on “abortion pill reversal,” and 48-hour waiting period yielded the largest knowledge gains for both groups. Support decreased slightly over time but did not differ by video condition. Conclusions Combined information and testimonial videos were effective in increasing awareness of Arkansas abortion restrictions, potentially because of repeated information or emotional connections, making the information more memorable. Endorsement of restrictions remained high in the sample. Policy Implications Participants in this sample did not seem to interpret abortion restrictions as burdensome, even after being given information in the video, and ended up simultaneously supporting choice to have an abortion and the policies that restrict access.