Abortions in the US have increased despite new restrictions since 2022

The number of abortions in the US increased after the Supreme Court removed federal protection for abortion in 2022, letting 22 states impose restrictions or bans. This was reported in a study released on Wednesday.

According to the American Society of Family Planning (SFP), which advocates for reproductive rights, the average number of abortions per month in the first quarter of 2024 was 98,990, higher than in the same periods in 2022 and 2023.

The organization’s most recent report attributes much of the increase to abortion pills, which can be prescribed via telehealth services.

The percentage of abortions performed with pills has risen nationally to 20%, up from 4% in 2022.

States with Democratic leadership have passed laws to protect doctors who conduct exams and issue prescriptions remotely, even for patients in states with abortion restrictions and bans.

According to SFP, an average of 9,200 abortions per month occurred due to these protections from January to March 2024, marking a 16% increase from the previous quarter.

The study also shows a significant drop in the number of abortions in states that have implemented restrictions or bans since 2022. The most notable declines were in Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Alabama.

Inbox: Latest @SocietyFP #WeCount report shows abortions continue to increase nationwide post-Dobbs, and telehealth abortions continue to climb—officially accounting for 1 in 5 abortions. pic.twitter.com/0rAfEnQwta

— Julianne McShane (@JulianneMcShane) August 7, 2024