Changemakers in Family Planning: Martha Silva Acuna
Abortion
Awarded 2024
Changemakers in Family Planning
Martha Silva Acuna, PhD, MPH
Tulane University
$82,301

I am a mixed-race, female-identifying Mexican researcher with over a decade of experience in international abortion research. My educational journey began with an MPH and PhD in International Health and Development from Tulane University. Over the years, I have lived and worked in nine countries, bringing a unique global perspective to my research.
My career has been deeply influenced by my experiences as an immigrant and my commitment to social justice. This lens shapes my work in sexual and reproductive health, particularly in abortion research. I have led numerous studies worldwide, focusing on areas such as abortion-related social discourse, access to abortion services, and the experiences of healthcare providers in various legal contexts. My career trajectory was slowed down by a work hiatus and restrictions on use of USAID money once I kickstarted my career again.
Currently, I am developing a US-based research portfolio with three primary lines of inquiry:
1. Understanding and reframing abortion-related social discourse to support reproductive justice.
2. Investigating abortion trajectories in the post-Roe US to inform policy advocacy and service improvement.
3. Strengthening the healthcare provider ecosystem to ensure reproductive autonomy.
I am conducting research on social discourse surrounding abortion in Louisiana, a scoping review on self-managed abortion, and exploring abortion-related stigma among healthcare providers in Mexico. These projects aim to address local and global issues affecting reproductive justice. I also aim to foster international collaborations, enriching the US research community with diverse perspectives and strategies.