The Abortion Landscape Three Years After Roe: Surprising Trends and What’s Next
Despite the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade, a landmark event that many thought would drastically curtail abortion access, **abortion rates in the US are actually on the rise**, reaching a record high in 2024. This unexpected surge, driven by telehealth, shield laws, and evolving access strategies, offers a complex picture of a nation grappling with reproductive rights.
A Surprising Rise: Unpacking the Data
New data from #WeCount, a Society of Family Planning project, reveals that U.S. abortion providers performed approximately 1.14 million abortions in 2024. This represents the highest number of abortions in recent years, defying the predictions of a dramatic decrease following the Dobbs decision. While in-person clinic visits still account for the majority of abortions, the trends point in a surprising direction.
Telehealth’s Growing Role in Access
One of the most significant factors contributing to the rising abortion rate is the increasing use of telehealth. This convenient access method, where patients consult with providers remotely and receive medication through the mail, saw a significant increase. By December 2024, 25% of all abortions took place via telehealth, up from 19% the previous year.
Shield Laws: A Critical Response to State Bans
The emergence of “shield laws” has also played a crucial role. These state laws, enacted in at least eight states since Roe’s fall, protect abortion providers from legal action by states where abortion is banned. Demand for abortion services under shield laws has skyrocketed, filling the gap of diminished clinic care.
Navigating the Front Lines of Abortion Access
The #WeCount report also examined the reality of abortion access in states with total abortion bans. On average, these states reported a shockingly low number of in-person abortions per month—just 30. This data underscores the complex reality of limited abortion access.
Emergency Abortion Exceptions in Question
Abortion bans often include exceptions for medical emergencies, yet critics argue these exceptions are too narrow and vaguely defined to be practically available. Multiple instances of women being denied emergency abortions have been documented, further highlighting the challenges individuals face in navigating a restricted healthcare system.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Abortion Access
The future of abortion access remains uncertain. Legal challenges to shield laws and the safety of abortion medication are on the rise. The FDA commissioner has called for a “review” of mifepristone, a medication widely used in telehealth abortions, although it has been deemed safe in over 100 studies across multiple countries. This situation sets the stage for a potential tug-of-war between access and restriction.
Mifepristone Under Scrutiny: Another Obstacle
Further complicating matters, the accessibility of mifepristone, a commonly used abortion drug, is under scrutiny. Any restrictions on mifepristone would disproportionately affect telehealth services. This situation adds a critical layer of complexity for those seeking abortion care.
Shield Laws in the Balance: A Legal Test
The long-term efficacy of shield laws is uncertain, as anti-abortion groups are actively contesting their legality. Texas is suing a New York physician who mailed abortion pills, while Louisiana has indicted the same provider. The legal battles in the courts will shape abortion access for years to come.
Despite the shifting legal landscape, some healthcare providers and abortion advocates are optimistic about the future. Dr. Angel Foster, a co-founder of the Massachusetts Medication Abortion Access Project (Map), anticipates continued growth in demand for their services within the shield law framework. What’s the impact of changing abortion access on our healthcare system?
For a deeper dive, explore the latest research on abortion access by the Guttmacher Institute: Guttmacher Institute.
