Laura Swan

Dr. Laura Swan is a Senior Research Scientist in the Reproductive Equity Action Lab (REAL). Her research is focused on improving reproductive health equity and increasing access to contraception and abortion, with an emphasis on eliminating discrimination and coercion in care. She is engaged in collaborative, mixed-methods research exploring provider-based coercion in contraceptive care, partner-perpetrated reproductive coercion, the impact of state-level abortion restrictions, the impact of Wisconsin’s Birth Cost Recovery policy on Black families, and the birthing experiences and abortion preferences of Black birthing people.

Dr. Swan holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Appalachian State University, a Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a PhD in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with practice experience as a hospital social worker.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An artist

What is your favorite thing to nerd out about?
Reality TV, musicals, enneagram personality types

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
Cross-stitching