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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

Kamala Harris applauds Biden’s “audacity to choose a Black woman to be his running mate”

In Harris’s first interview since becoming Biden’s vice presidential pick, she spoke about voter access, how the pandemic has exacerbated inequities and how a Biden-Harris campaign will prioritize marginalized communities.

Shefali Luthra · August 14, 2020
In Harris VP pick, maternal health experts see a new ally

Kamala Harris has a history of work addressing maternal mortality — a crisis that has disproportionately affected Black people in America.

Shefali Luthra · August 13, 2020
Democrats focus new legislation on the pandemic's effect on maternal mortality

A new bill shared first with The 19th would emphasize issues like federal data collection and COVID-19 vaccine development in an effort to address the health of pregnant people.

Shefali Luthra · August 10, 2020
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