We’re an independent, nonprofit newsroom reporting on gender, politics, policy and power. Read our story.

Staff

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 to do that.

My work emphasizes abortion policy, 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 and was a finalist for the Kirkus Prize.

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

COVID-19 vaccine trials to extend to people with HIV

The change could have far-reaching effects for Black women and transgender people.

Shefali Luthra · August 7, 2020
The pandemic has strained the mental health of the most vulnerable

Pandemic-induced depression and anxiety is exploding the already stark mental health gender disparities. The health care system isn't equipped to meet the growing need.

Shefali Luthra · August 5, 2020
How COVID-19 could upend women's health for years

The pandemic has put “non-urgent” health care on the back burner for people across the country. For women’s health, particularly, the outcomes could be profound.

Shefali Luthra · August 3, 2020
Some researchers and politicians call for pregnant people to be included in coronavirus vaccine testing

Pregnant people aren't typically included in major vaccine trials, but a new argument has begun to take hold: Leaving pregnant people out of vaccine trials puts them at a greater risk.

Shefali Luthra · July 15, 2020