Biography
Ellen Schenk, MPP (she/her) is a Data Analyst at the Reproductive Equity Action Lab (REAL). Her research focuses on abortion and contraception, using quantitative methods to identify barriers and facilitators to accessing reproductive health care. Her previous work examined the dimensions of the reproductive health workforce, including geographic distribution, abortion and contraception provision, and longitudinal trends. Ellen’s experiences as an abortion clinic escort and abortion fund case manager inform her approach to this work and deepen her commitment to REAL’s efforts to amplify the voices of communities historically excluded and marginalized by inequities.
Ellen holds a BA in Public Policy, BS in Mathematics and Economics, and Master of Public Policy from the University of Delaware.
Selected Scholarships:
- Strasser J, Schenk E, Luckenbill S, Tsevat D, King L, Luo Q, Maslowsky, J. Tubal Sterilization and Vasectomy Increased Among US Young Adults after the Dobbs Supreme Court Decision in 2022. Health Affairs, 44(1):99-107, doi: https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2024.00824
- Society of Family Planning Most-Talked-About Family Planning Publications 2025
- Strasser J, Schenk E, Luo Q, Chen C. Lower Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) Supply in Abortion-Ban States, Despite Minimal State-Level Changes in the 2 Years Post-Dobbs. Health Affairs Scholar, 2(12):qxae162, doi: 10.1093/haschl/qxae162
What do you collect?
Pencils! I get a pencil as a souvenir from every place I visit.
What is your favorite thing to nerd out about?
Any type of puzzle: jigsaw, crossword, logic.