Jo Yurcaba

Jo Yurcaba is a freelance reporter based in North Carolina. They cover sexual violence, LGBTQ+ rights, and pop culture. Twitter: @JoYurcaba

All Work

Culture & Conversation LGBTQ

COVID-19 Creates More Back-to-School Uncertainty for Trans and Nonbinary Students

Aug 24, 1:42pm Jo Yurcaba

Add possible infections, misgendering, and bullying to the concerns trans and nonbinary students may face while learning this fall.

Commentary Contraception

I Had to Put Off Dealing With My Ovarian and Breast Cancer Risk During a Pandemic

Jul 15, 9:05am

The far-reaching impact of people putting off health care, like routine Pap smears, during the pandemic is unclear.

[Photo: Rosemary Ketchum, woman with blond hair wearing a navy blazer, stands outside in front of a building.]

News Politics

Meet West Virginia’s First Out Trans Lawmaker: Rosemary Ketchum

Jun 22, 8:48am Jo Yurcaba

“Breaking into a space that wasn’t built for you is incredibly difficult."

[Photo: A teenage girl of color is standing in a lush outdoor environment as she looks down and texts on her phone.]

News Abortion

Why Teenagers Seeking Abortion Care Are Texting ‘Abby’

Apr 24, 2:30pm Jo Yurcaba

“I think that it is easy if you're looking at the headlines to think that clinics are closed or that courts are closed.”

[Photo: A woman of color wearing a masks looks suspiciously at a person holding a sign that reads 'Crisis Pregnancy Centers*. We're Open. *Unregulated and putting you at risk.]

News Abortion

Anti-Choice Clinics Are Open During the COVID-19 Crisis. That’s Dangerous for Pregnant People.

Apr 10, 2:39pm Jo Yurcaba

Reproductive health advocates worry that clinics operated by anti-choice activists could sow confusion among people seeking care during the COVID-19 outbreak.

[Photo: Senator Ben Sasse looks on during a hearing.]

News Abortion

Senate Republicans Go All-In on Lies About Later Abortion Care (Updated)

Feb 12, 3:33pm Jo Yurcaba

The Republican U.S. Senate legislation is "a vehicle for false narratives and inflammatory language" around later abortions, said Dr. Kristyn Brandi, board chair of Physicians for Reproductive Health.

News Abortion

These Lawmakers Saw What Criminalizing Abortion Looks Like. They Were Horrified.

Dec 4, 11:04am Jo Yurcaba

Criminalizing abortion in El Salvador means people go to prison for miscarrying. Abortion rights advocates fear this could become a reality in the United States.

[Photo: Sen. James Inhofe looks on during a meeting.]

News Law and Policy

A New Abortion Ban Makes Its Way to Congress for the First Time

Nov 8, 9:00am Jo Yurcaba

Some pro-choice advocates worry these bills might be the first in a “wave of bills” focused on the reason someone is getting an abortion.

[Photo: A young woman speaks to her doctor.]

News Sexual Health

Adolescent Health Groups Warn of Risks Anti-Choice Crisis Pregnancy Centers Pose to Young People

Oct 30, 2:40pm Jo Yurcaba

Crisis pregnancy centers pose a unique threat in states like Ohio, where they outnumber abortion providers.

[Photo: A split screen of Republican Sen. Dan Bishop and Democrat Dan McCready.]

News Politics

Health Care to Play Key Role in North Carolina Special Election (Updated)

Jul 24, 8:30am Jo Yurcaba

While the Republican candidate's connection to North Carolina's bathroom discrimination law will be a deciding factor for some voters, access to health care is at the center of the special election.

[Photo: Representative John Becker answers questions during an outdoor interview.]

Analysis Abortion

The Century-Old ‘Science Fiction’ Behind Ohio Rep’s Bill Covering Nonexistent Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment

May 17, 11:49am Jo Yurcaba

Doctors “would never base our medical practice on this,” said OB-GYN and public health researcher Dr. Dan Grossman, who received a copy from the legislator after criticizing the bill in a viral Twitter thread.

[Photo: Dr. Joan Perry looking resolute while she holds a baby.]

News Politics

In North Carolina Special Election, Who Is the Most Anti-Choice of Them All? (Updated)

Apr 25, 3:51pm Jo Yurcaba

Women Speak Out PAC, a partner of anti-choice group Susan B. Anthony List, has donated $75,000 to Dr. Joan Perry, a Republican candidate in North Carolina’s 3rd District special election.