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- Despite state-level bans, the number of abortions in the US increased in 2023.
- An estimated 1,037,000 abortions were performed, the highest in over a decade.
- Women are traveling across state lines to access abortion care in states without bans.
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Essential Context
The US saw a significant increase in abortions in 2023, the first full year after the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturned Roe v. Wade. This increase is despite the implementation of abortion bans in 14 states and restrictive laws in several others.
Core Players
- Women of reproductive age across the US
- Clinics and abortion providers
- Abortion funds and logistical support organizations
- State governments with abortion bans or restrictions
Key Numbers
- 1,037,000 – Estimated number of abortions in 2023
- 15.9 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age
- 11% increase in abortions since 2020
- 26% increase in abortions in states without total bans
- 38% increase in abortions in states bordering ban states
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The Catalyst
The Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization in June 2022 led to a dramatic shift in abortion laws across the US. This ruling overturned Roe v. Wade, allowing states to ban or severely restrict abortions.
This change triggered a wave of state-level legislation, with 14 states banning abortion and seven others implementing gestational limits.
Inside Forces
Despite the bans, many women continued to seek abortion care. Clinics, abortion funds, and logistical support organizations scaled up their efforts to help women access care, often through financial and practical support.
States without bans experienced significant increases in the number of abortions provided, particularly those bordering ban states. For example, Illinois saw a 71% increase, New Mexico a 256% increase, and Virginia a 77% increase.
Power Dynamics
The power to regulate abortions now lies primarily with state governments. States with bans have significant influence over reproductive health policies, while states without bans are becoming critical hubs for abortion care.
Organizations supporting abortion access are also gaining influence by providing essential support services to women traveling across state lines.
Outside Impact
The increase in abortions reflects a broader shift in reproductive health access. The rise in travel for abortion care has highlighted disparities in healthcare access across different states.
This situation also underscores the resilience and determination of women seeking reproductive healthcare despite legal barriers.
Future Forces
Looking ahead, the landscape for abortion access is likely to remain complex. States may continue to tighten or loosen their abortion laws, and federal actions could potentially restore or further restrict abortion rights.
The role of telehealth in providing abortion care is also expected to grow, with shield laws protecting clinicians who offer telehealth abortions to patients in states with bans.
Data Points
- June 2022: Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization
- 2023: Estimated 1,037,000 abortions in the US
- 14 states with total abortion bans
- 7 states with gestational limits on abortions
- 26,000 more out-of-state patients in Illinois for abortion care in 2023
The ongoing changes in abortion laws and access highlight a deeply divided and evolving landscape for reproductive health in the US. As policies continue to shift, the impact on women’s health and access to care will remain a critical issue.
