Rising Trend: Increase in US Abortions Driven by Medication Abortion Surge
Despite recent bans in several states following the Dobbs decision, the United States is experiencing a notable uptick in abortion rates, predominantly fueled by the growing popularity of medication abortion methods.
Abortions are increasing in the United States, even though more than a dozen states have implemented bans following the US Supreme Court's Dobbs decision in June 2022, which removed the federal right to abortion.
According to a report from the Guttmacher Institute, a research and policy organization advocating for abortion rights, over 1 million abortions occurred in the US in 2023. This marks the highest rate in over a decade and a 10% increase from 2020. The report also highlights that medication abortion is becoming a more popular choice.
Although abortions significantly decreased in the 14 states with total bans, almost every other state experienced a rise in the number of abortions performed from 2020 to 2023. The changing landscape of abortion care due to varying policies led to a 10% increase in abortions nationwide, with states without total bans seeing a 25% increase during those years.
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According to the report's authors, states with abortion bans have seen a significant decrease in access. However, clinics, abortion funds, and support organizations are working hard to help individuals in these states access care through financial and practical assistance.
States neighboring those with bans saw significant increases in abortions. However, abortions also rose in states where they remained legal.
According to the authors, it is likely that while access to abortions was severely limited for individuals in states with bans, access actually improved for residents in states without bans.
Researchers from the Guttmacher Institute suggest that improved access to telehealth in recent years may have made medication abortion more broadly available. In addition to state policies and increased financial support from abortion funds, this advancement has played a significant role in expanding access to care for patients.
Another new Guttmacher report reveals that medication abortion has become more common than ever post-Roe. The report states that nearly two-thirds of all abortions in the US in 2023 – an estimated 642,700 – were medication abortions.
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Medication abortion, also called medical abortion, is when someone ends their pregnancy by taking two pills - mifepristone and misoprostol - instead of having surgery.
This method has become increasingly popular over the past two decades. In 2001, less than 10% of all abortions in the US were medication abortions. By 2020, this number had risen to 53%, and by 2023, it had reached 63%.
Mifepristone, an FDA-approved drug for abortion since 2000, is facing a legal challenge. On March 26, the US Supreme Court will discuss a case that could impact access to the medication, even in states where abortion is legal. This case also raises questions about whether courts can override FDA experts' decisions on a drug's safety.
Misoprostol can be used alone for a medication abortion and is considered safe. However, research shows that using both mifepristone and misoprostol together is the most effective method.
Research has consistently shown that medication abortion is a safe and effective option. A recent study has further confirmed this, revealing that the effectiveness and safety remain high even when the medication is obtained through a telehealth appointment.
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The Guttmacher researchers emphasized in a recent report that any reinstatement of restrictions on medication abortion via telemedicine would be harmful for individuals who either prefer or only have access to abortion through telemedicine. They highlighted that while the current legal case focuses on the use of mifepristone, a misoprostol-only regimen is also a safe and effective method of medication abortion. The researchers stressed the importance of ensuring that everyone seeking an abortion has access to the full range of safe and effective options.
The latest reports from Guttmacher provide estimates on abortion trends in the US. These estimates are based on information gathered from a sample of abortion providers. However, it is likely that the actual number of abortions in the US is higher than reported. This is because the data does not account for abortions that occur outside of the traditional healthcare system or medication abortions that are sent to individuals in states where abortion is restricted.
Special thanks to CNN's Jen Christensen and Tierney Sneed for their contributions to this report.
Editor's P/S:
The increasing number of abortions in the United States amidst state-imposed bans highlights the complex and evolving landscape of reproductive rights. While bans have reduced access in some areas, they have also driven up demand in neighboring states and those with more permissive laws. The rise in medication abortions, a safe and effective method, suggests that improved access to telehealth and financial support from abortion funds have played a significant role in expanding care options.
However, the legal challenge to mifepristone, one of the two drugs used in medication abortions, raises concerns about the potential impact on access to this essential healthcare procedure. It is crucial that policymakers and healthcare providers prioritize the health and well-being of individuals seeking abortions by ensuring that they have access to the full range of safe and effective options, including medication abortions via telemedicine.
