A recent report by the Society of Family Planning has revealed that medication abortions provided by virtual-only providers now make up a greater share of the total abortions in the US. According to the report, total abortions decreased by 2% from April to December 2022, but medicated abortions via telehealth services increased by a staggering 136%. In April, there were less than 4,000 medicated abortions provided virtually, while in December, that number exceeded 8,500.
Medication Abortions Account for More Than Half of All US Abortions
In 2020, medication abortions accounted for more than half of all abortions in the US. While it is likely that this number has increased since the Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade and granted individual states greater control over abortion laws, it is too early to tell how much of an impact this will have on overall abortion statistics.
Rapid Changes and Confusion for Abortion Care
Since the Dobbs decision, there has been a rapid reshuffling in the location and methods of abortion care across the country. Many states have already completely banned abortion or severely restricted access to it. The reduced access to abortion is creating vulnerabilities in an already weakened system.
Wyoming Recording Highest Rate of Telehealth Abortion
Telehealth abortions surged in 27 states across the country last year, with Wyoming recording the highest rate both before and after the Dobbs ruling. However, this state has recently become the first to explicitly ban the use of abortion pills with a law that takes effect on July 1. Idaho recorded the largest increase in telehealth abortions as a percentage of all abortions – a sharp increase of 26 percentage points.
Ohio’s Decreased Abortion Numbers Due to Changes in Access
A new report from the Society of Family Planning shows that changes in access have directly impacted Ohio’s abortion numbers in 2022. The data reveals that last year’s court decisions nationally and locally, such as the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision and Ohio’s “heartbeat law,” have significantly impacted Ohioans’ abortion rights. Rapid changes are creating confusion and abortion care churn in the state.
The Supreme Court’s Decision has Disrupted Abortion Access Across the Country
Since the Supreme Court’s decision, the number of people seeking abortions has increased dramatically, with many traveling long distances to reach the nearest state where abortion remains legal. Additionally, some states have completely banned abortion, while others have restricted or reduced access to it.
In conclusion, the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade on abortion access in the United States has been substantial. Whether through decreased access to services or changes in how those services are delivered, this ruling has already had a tremendous disruption on abortion access across the country. Still, providers and supporters of reproductive rights remain committed to ensuring that all individuals continue to have safe and affordable access to these essential services.
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