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Articles by

Shefali Luthra

Reproductive Health Reporter (She/Her)

I’m Shefali Luthra, The 19th’s reproductive health reporter. I’ve covered health care for more than a decade, starting at the Texas Tribune, where I wrote about abortion restrictions and the rollout of the Affordable Care Act, before moving to KFF Health News. I’m passionate about covering health care in a way that highlights policy’s human impact. I love hearing from readers about how best to do that.

My work at The 19th emphasizes abortion policy, access to fertility care and contraception, and every other corner of reproductive health. I’ve contributed to multiple award-winning projects, including our coverage of the fall of Roe v. Wade, which won a 2023 Online Journalism Award, and a series on pregnancy in post-Roe America, which won a Murrow Award. My book about the loss of abortion rights, called Undue Burden, published in May 2024.

I live in Washington D.C. and am a graduate of Brown University, where I studied English literature. When not reporting, I’m an avid runner and ardent fan of Julien Baker, the Boston Celtics and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

My work is free to consume and free to republish because of contributions from readers like you. A donation of $19 goes a long way toward sustaining our nonprofit newsroom.

Contact sbluthra@19thnews.org

Latest from Shefali Luthra

Health care: What Joe Biden can accomplish even with a GOP-controlled Senate

Some of Biden's ambitious plans to extend gender-based health care protections could be accomplished without Congress.

Shefali Luthra · November 10, 2020
The Affordable Care Act — and its protections for women and LGBTQ+ people — looks likely to survive

Two conservative Supreme Court justices indicated in oral arguments that they would not strike down the health-care law.

Shefali Luthra · November 10, 2020
Women and LGBTQ+ voters celebrate Harris’ win

The ascension of Harris, the woman of color vice president-elect, prompts bipartisan celebration.

Chabeli Carrazana, Shefali Luthra, Barbara Rodriguez, Kate Sosin · November 7, 2020
Mammograms fell sharply in early pandemic months, study finds

As COVID-19 cases climb again, cancer screenings are likely to plummet once more.

Shefali Luthra · November 5, 2020
Initiatives to restrict abortion access fail in Colorado, but pass in Louisiana

The divergent results foreshadow an emerging reality where state laws determine abortion access, especially if the Supreme Court eliminates federal protections.

Shefali Luthra · November 3, 2020
Pregnancy increases COVID-19's mortality risk, CDC says

A new report linked pregnancy to higher rates of complications, including death, from COVID-19 — a reversal from previous federal advisories.

Shefali Luthra · November 3, 2020
In Texas, Kamala Harris makes a pitch to women

Harris, visiting Texas in the last critical election push, appealed to women voters as the state looks increasingly competitive.

Shefali Luthra · October 30, 2020
Abortion restrictions are on the ballot in Louisiana and Colorado

Two ballot initiatives could preview a future without Roe v. Wade, one in which voters can add new restrictions or virtually ban the procedure.

Shefali Luthra, Barbara Rodriguez · October 29, 2020
These "pro-life" women won't vote for Trump. Here's why.

Trump's policies and rhetoric have caused some women to redefine what it means to be "pro-life."

Shefali Luthra · October 23, 2020
Advocates worry Amy Coney Barrett's confirmation could undercut efforts to curb sexual assault

The Supreme Court could have numerous opportunities in coming years to weigh in on how institutions handle sexual misconduct.

Shefali Luthra · October 22, 2020

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Articles by

Shefali Luthra

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