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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 [email protected]

Latest from Shefali Luthra

In 2021, states are poised to tighten abortion restrictions

The more conservative Supreme Court will likely embolden lawmakers to pass restrictions that could run afoul of Roe v. Wade.

Shefali Luthra · January 10, 2021
Democrats' Georgia victories put Joe Biden's health care proposals back in play

Some parts of the president-elect's health care agenda — which would particularly affect women and LGBTQ+ people — are likely to gain traction.

Shefali Luthra · January 7, 2021
Share your COVID-19 vaccine experience with The 19th

Have you received a COVID-19 vaccine, or are you scheduled to get one soon? What has the process been like? We want to hear from you.

Shefali Luthra · January 4, 2021
Nancy Pelosi secures House speakership for a fourth term

With her party's slim majority in the House, Nancy Pelosi wins re-election as speaker. Now, eyes turn to the upcoming Senate runoff elections.

Shefali Luthra · January 3, 2021
Biden campaigned on a health care platform. What will that look like in 2021?

President-elect Joe Biden will inherit the coronavirus crisis and several other health care problems.

Shefali Luthra · December 31, 2020
During the pandemic, teachers’ mental health is suffering in ways they’ve never experienced

The burden is most acute for teachers who are mothers, and steering both their students and their own children through online learning.

Shefali Luthra · December 29, 2020
Stimulus provides some relief for women — but experts say it’s far from enough

The $900 billion package tackles paid leave, child care and food insecurity, among other issues.

Shefali Luthra · December 21, 2020
Health care workers find hope in COVID-19 vaccines, but they fear the worst is yet to come

The 19th spoke to women in the health care system, who will be among the nation’s first to be vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Shefali Luthra · December 18, 2020
Survey shows COVID-19 is disproportionately harming women's mental health

About 57 percent of women said their mental health had been negatively affected, compared to 44 percent of men.

Shefali Luthra · December 18, 2020
‘I’ve had to fight to be taken seriously’: Women with Ph.Ds respond to Dr. Jill Biden column

For women in academia, the Wall Street Journal op-ed about the future first lady’s title struck a nerve.

Shefali Luthra, Mariel Padilla, Barbara Rodriguez · December 14, 2020

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Articles by

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