Post-Roe, Approximately 20% of Abortion Seekers Crossed State Lines, Analysis Shows
Amidst abortion restrictions in multiple US states, an analysis reveals that nearly 1 in 5 individuals seeking abortion services now travel out of state, indicating a doubling in the prevalence of inter-state travel for such care
A new analysis found that as abortion is banned in more than a dozen states and restricted in many others, it has become about twice as common for people in the United States to travel across state lines for their abortion care.
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See where abortions are banned and legaland where its still in limbo
During the first half of 2023, over 92,000 people, or nearly 1 in 5 individuals, traveled across state lines for abortion care, a significant increase from the 2020 timeframe before the US Supreme Court's Dobbs decision. This decision has led to a higher number of individuals seeking abortion care in neighboring states due to bans and restrictions. Isaac Maddow-Zimet, a data scientist and lead researcher for the report, suggests that the actual impact of the Dobbs decision may be even greater than the reported data.
Texans who used to travel to Oklahoma for abortions in 2020 are now facing the challenge of finding alternative options due to travel restrictions. This has led to increased travel distances and higher costs, impacting both the financial and logistical aspects of seeking abortion care. As a result, the clinical needs for people seeking abortions are evolving, and providers are adjusting to meet these changing needs.
Ohio clinics are observing an increase in patients seeking abortion services at later stages of pregnancy, according to Dr. Adarsh Krishen, the chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio. While medication abortion remains popular, there is a growing number of patients choosing procedural abortion, particularly those who have traveled from out of state and want to ensure its effectiveness.
"We approach each patient as a unique individual. Our priority is to ensure that they receive the healthcare they require and deserve," Krishen stated. "There are additional layers of complexity involved."
People march together to protest the Supreme Court's decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health case on June 24, 2022 in Miami, Florida.
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In the South, looming uncertainty threatens the limited abortion access that remains
Amy Hagstrom Miller, the founder and CEO of Whole Woman's Health, an abortion provider with clinics in multiple states, explained that while the abortion procedure itself is the same regardless of the patient's state of origin, there are various other factors to consider when supporting patients outside of the exam room.
Women traveling for abortion care may be under time constraints due to catching a flight or driving long distances back home. Often, they have driven hundreds of miles while bringing along family members, including children and elderly relatives whom they care for. Whole Womans Health has responded to this need by creating separate waiting rooms in their New Mexico clinics that are equipped with toys, snacks, and comfortable seating to accommodate patients and their families, particularly those who have endured lengthy travel.
New data from the Guttmacher Institute reveals that nearly 75% of abortions in New Mexico were performed on individuals who had traveled from out of state. In the first half of 2023, over 8,200 out-of-state individuals obtained an abortion in New Mexico, with only Illinois and North Carolina having more out-of-state patients. According to Hagstrom Miller, these individuals come with a different set of experiences and are resolute and determined after going through great efforts to secure their appointment.
The Guttmacher Institute's new data is derived from a monthly survey of key providers and expanded to the state level using a model that incorporates historical trends. The estimates reflect abortions performed in formal health care settings, including in-person clinics and telehealth, but do not encompass self-managed abortions or medication abortion provided by AidAccess. Previous findings indicate a rise in abortions nationwide following the Dobbs decision, particularly in states bordering those with bans.
The abortion landscape in the US is constantly changing, causing uncertainty and threatening access to abortion, especially in the South.
According to a report by the Guttmacher Institute, South Carolina had become a reliable source for abortion care after the Dobbs era. In the first half of 2023, over 40% of abortions, approximately 2,500, were performed on individuals who traveled from other states. This percentage was significantly higher than the 3% in 2020. However, in August, a six-week ban was implemented, leading to a drastic reduction in the number of monthly abortions. In fact, data from Guttmacher shows that the decrease was even larger than those experienced in Texas and Georgia when their six-week bans were put into place.
PHOTO - Tiny toes of a newborn peeping out from under a blanket at a hospital in McAllen, Texas. According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023, the infant mortality rate in the U.S. saw a rare 3% increase in 2022, marking a departure from the overall trend of declining infant deaths over the past few decades. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
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Births have increased in states with abortion bans, research finds
The Florida Supreme Court's impending decision could impose comparable limitations on the state, potentially causing even greater consequences, according to Maddow-Zimet. "This could make it extremely difficult for many people to obtain necessary care," he explained.
Abortion bans and restrictions in many states have led to a rise in the demand for abortions, according to Guttmacher data. In Illinois, the first half of 2023 saw nearly 19,000 more abortions compared to the same period in 2020. Around 70% of this increase was attributed to individuals traveling to Illinois for abortion care, with the remaining 30% being residents seeking the same services.
"Many state policies and other forms of support for abortion patients are primarily aimed at assisting out-of-state travelers, but ultimately also work to improve access for residents of those states," Maddow-Zimet explained. "In Illinois, the increased clinic capacity and funding support have effectively managed the influx of patients, providing improved access for Illinois residents as well. It benefits both sides of the issue." Subscribe to CNN Health's weekly newsletter.
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However, despite the growing support and increase in the number of abortions, overarching trends indicate that many individuals were unable to surmount the escalating obstacles to accessing care.
A recent analysis found that approximately 25% of individuals seeking abortions in the United States were unable to obtain one, as a result of restrictions implemented after the Dobbs decision. This led to an estimated 32,000 more births than anticipated in the first half of 2023.
"We are able to observe and research how many people successfully obtain abortions, but it is much more challenging to study those who are unable to do so," Hagstrom Miller stated. "Now, with the significant shift in access, we must consider the impact on individuals in areas such as southwestern Virginia, southern Illinois, and Kansas, as well as those who must travel to these locations for care."
