This study looks at the coverage of the mifepristone abortion drug legislation that took place during the summer of 2023. Using framing theory, a qualitative content analysis was performed using 91 articles from local newspapers in various states to determine what frames are used in the coverage, and if frames used in the coverage are different based on whether the paper is in a politically red, blue, or swing state. Then, the study examines how reproductive rights and gender are reflected in the coverage of abortion, which is generally considered a "women's issue," rather than a human rights issue. This study identified six overarching frames: business-as-usual, the new norm, limit our suffering, combative opposition, beacon of hope, and actions speak louder. I found that the overall political climate of the states seemed to affect frames more than their geographic region and that states with anti-abortion legislation had more coverage than states that did not. My findings highlight that reproductive rights are still not considered rights by a large percentage of the population, they are considered a political issue, and that more diverse voices are needed in newspaper coverage, especially when it comes to the politics sections.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc2356137 |
| Date | 07 1900 |
| Creators | Sledge, Erin Marguerite |
| Contributors | Everbach, Tracy, Nisbett, Gwen, Paul, Newly |
| Publisher | University of North Texas |
| Source Sets | University of North Texas |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | Text |
| Rights | Public, Sledge, Erin Marguerite, Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights Reserved. |
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