THE GIST: 

As millions of women lost reproductive freedom in the wake of the Dobbs Decision, the implications of pre-existing barriers to equitable reproductive healthcare access have become more complex and potentially dire. One longstanding challenge is gaining the internet’s attention. 

The current design of pregnancy tests does not allow visually impaired people to interpret their results independently. When a visually-impaired person relies on someone else to read the result, they lose control over who has access to the test result. This was and is problematic, even in a state or scenario where abortion is legal and women have autonomy to make their own healthcare decisions.  

Since Roe was overturned in 2022, 12 states have enacted near-total bans on abortion, and four states, Florida, Georgia, and Iowa, have banned abortion past 6 weeks of pregnancy. The drastic loss of access has been compounded by creatively cruel state laws such as Texas S.B.8., the “vigilante law” passed in 2021, which not only bans but criminalizes abortion. In this landscape, visually impaired women who must rely on (and share) the result of a home pregnancy test may be placed in situations that are not only cruel and inequitable but potentially dangerous. 

The pregnancy test design-related gap in accessibility, and associated intrusion upon the privacy and autonomy of visually impaired women, adds to the emotional burden of pregnancy confirmation. In the context of decreased access and increased criminalization of abortion, this problem highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their visual abilities, can make informed decisions about their reproductive health. 

THE DETAILS:

Introduction 

Pregnancy tests are crucial tools for individuals seeking to confirm pregnancy. For visually impaired people, reading the results can present significant challenges. This issue is especially pressing in a post-Dobbs world, where access to abortion services is increasingly restricted in 

most states. The Guttmacher Institute reports that in January 2025, 41 states have restrictions on abortion, creating a pressing need for timely, reliable information on pregnancy status.

Challenges for Visually Impaired Individuals 

For visually impaired individuals, the inability to read a pregnancy test result can be a source of considerable stress and uncertainty. Traditional home pregnancy tests rely on visual cues, such as lines or symbols. This means that visually impaired individuals may struggle to independently determine their pregnancy status and have to seek the assistance of a partner, friend, or volunteer. This loss of privacy may lead to coercion, unwanted disclosure, or even manipulation. For example, a partner who is abusive or controlling might lie about or withhold the result, or use it to pressure someone to continue or end the pregnancy. 

In the current legal landscape, the scenario above may also increase the risk of prosecution if the person chooses to have an abortion. However, even in less extreme situations, relying on others may mean being exposed to judgment, unwanted opinions, and emotional stress in a moment that should be private. Laws mandating gestational age cut-offs, lengthy waitlists at remaining clinics caused by closures across the country in states without access to care, and simply the need to plan and pay for out-of-state travel have created conditions where delaying pregnancy confirmation even by a few days can eliminate abortion as an option. 

According to the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), over 7.6 million people in the United States are visually impaired, blind, or unable to see.  Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 2.2 billion people have some form of visual impairment, underscoring the potential benefits of improving accessibility for many individuals.

Workarounds and Current Solutions 

To address this challenge, visually-impaired individuals often turn to various workarounds. One option is using smartphone apps, such as Be My Eyes or Seeing AI, which connect users with volunteers who can assist in reading visual information. These apps allow individuals to video call a volunteer who can then interpret the pregnancy test results. As of 2025, Be My Eyes has over 750,000 users worldwide, making it a reliable resource for many visually-impaired individuals.

Additionally, some people may rely on hotlines or support services that offer similar assistance through phone calls or text messages. Devices like talking barcode readers or smart glasses equipped with image recognition technology also offer potential solutions, though they may not be specifically designed for pregnancy tests. 

The Importance of Accessible Pregnancy Tests 

The significance of accessible pregnancy tests is heightened in the wake of the Dobbs decision, which has led to more restrictive abortion laws in many states. In jurisdictions where abortion access is limited or outlawed, having timely and reliable information about one's pregnancy status becomes even more critical. Visually-impaired individuals who cannot independently read a pregnancy test may be at a disadvantage in these situations, particularly if they lack access to a trusted support network or face legal and social barriers to accessing abortion services. 

Proposed Solutions 

Several types of products could be developed to support the privacy, security, and autonomy of visually-impaired people. While these products are beneficial to visually-impaired people, the results of pregnancy tests in early pregnancy are often subtle or ambiguous. These products may reduce that ambiguity for everyone and allow for more timely decision-making, well beyond visually-impaired people. Here are some potential solutions: 

• Audible Results: One potential solution is the development of pregnancy tests that provide audible results. This could be achieved through a built-in speaker that reads the results aloud, ensuring that individuals with visual impairments can receive the information they need without relying on external assistance. Audible results are already being used in other health technologies like thermometers and blood pressure cuffs. A survey by the National Institutes of Health in 2024 found that assistive technologies such as text-to-speech have a significant impact on enhancing autonomy for individuals with visual impairments.

• Tactile Features: Another approach could involve incorporating tactile elements into pregnancy tests. For example, the Royal National Institute of Blind People worked with designer Josh Wasserman to create a tactile pregnancy test. The assay uses raised silicone bumps. One pattern signals a positive result, and another confirms the test worked properly. This would allow users to feel the result directly and gain immediate feedback. There is a proliferation of research surrounding the use of tactile feedback as a method to improve accessibility in medical devices.

• Integrated Technology: Combining pregnancy tests with smartphone technology could also be beneficial. For instance, tests could connect to a mobile app that provides spoken results or even integrate with voice-activated assistants to relay the outcome. Recent studies show that a significant percentage of individuals with visual impairments rely on smartphones and assistive technologies to improve accessibility and daily functioning. These technologies, including apps designed for reading, navigation, and health-related services, have become essential tools for people with visual disabilities, emphasizing the potential of mobile technologies in enhancing accessibility.

However, we have already seen digital activity used as evidence in criminal charges against people seeking abortion. Choosing accessible testing options could make visually-impaired people more vulnerable to surveillance. While smart tech can help with access, it has to be done with real privacy protections including: 

• Built-in local data storage so results stay on the device and are not automatically uploaded to the cloud

• Offering offline functionality for users who do not want to connect to an app or Wi-Fi

• Ensuring that any data sharing is optional, not automatic, and that users are clearly told who will see their information, how it will be stored, and for how long

• Presenting people with real, easy-to-understand choices rather than burying the options in the terms of service

Legal Considerations

Beyond technological advancements, addressing legal and policy barriers is essential for equitable reproductive healthcare. This includes ensuring that individuals have access to accurate information and support without facing legal penalties or restrictive regulations that limit their ability to seek abortion services. Efforts should focus on advocating for policies that: 

• Protect reproductive rights.

• Provide clear guidance for accessing care.

• Ensure that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, can make informed decisions about their health. 

According to the American Medical Association Journal of Ethics, access to reproductive health services for disabled individuals remains a major issue and advocacy for inclusive healthcare policy is critical in advancing equality.

Conclusion 

Ensuring that pregnancy tests are accessible to visually impaired individuals is a critical step toward promoting equity and supporting reproductive health in a post-Dobbs landscape. By developing innovative solutions that address the needs of visually impaired users, we can bridge the gap in accessibility and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health. In parallel, advocating for supportive policies and legal protections remains essential to ensuring that all individuals have access to the care they need.