Abortion has become more prevalent despite bans or strict restrictions in most Republican-controlled states, and the legal and political battles over its future are ongoing. It has been two and a half years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, allowing states to implement bans. The impact of these policies has been evolving since the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling. Data shows that abortions are slightly more common post-Dobbs, but the number of abortions has not decreased significantly.
Abortion bans do not stop abortions from happening, but they do alter the way care is provided. Women in states with bans face barriers to accessing abortions, particularly low-income, minority, and immigrant women. Travel and abortion pills have become the primary methods for obtaining abortions in states with bans. The use of abortion pills, often prescribed via telehealth, has increased significantly, leading to legal battles over abortion access.
Travel for abortion has become more common as clinics close or stop providing abortions in states with bans. Efforts to help women access legal abortions in neighboring states have strengthened, with abortion funds assisting in covering costs. However, some funds have had to limit the amount they can provide.
Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, the legal landscape regarding abortion has been volatile, with laws and court decisions constantly changing. The recent ban in Florida, which prohibits abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, has had a significant impact. The abortion map continues to shift, with access to abortion varying by state and under different conditions.
Once a sanctuary for Southerners seeking abortions, the state has now become a destination for individuals in search of reproductive services. A notable decrease in abortion procedures occurred in May compared to the previous months of the year, with a further decline in June. The ban on abortions has had a significant impact, as the closest facility in North Carolina offering abortion services within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy requires a lengthy nine-hour drive from Florida, as reported by Caitlin Myers, an economics professor at Middlebury College.
While some clinics have expanded or newly opened in certain areas, other states have experienced closures or limitations on abortion services. However, states where abortion is legal until viability, typically beyond 21 weeks of pregnancy, have seen the establishment and growth of clinics. States like Illinois, Kansas, and New Mexico have welcomed new abortion providers.
As of November, the number of publicly identifiable abortion providers in the U.S. decreased from 799 in May to 792, following the reversal of Roe v. Wade. Some hospitals that previously offered limited abortion services have now begun advertising them, contributing to the count of abortion clinics.
The lack of access to abortions during medical emergencies poses a significant threat to patients’ lives. The handling of pregnancy complications, particularly those endangering women’s lives, has become a pressing issue post-Roe v. Wade. The Biden administration emphasizes the necessity for hospitals to provide abortions in emergency situations to prevent severe health risks, even in states with restrictive laws. Challenges to this policy by Texas and the U.S. Supreme Court’s refusal to address it have created additional obstacles.
Recent data reveals instances of pregnant individuals being denied emergency care in hospitals, leading to tragic outcomes. The shift in regulations has made seeking emergency care during pregnancy increasingly perilous, raising concerns among healthcare professionals.
Despite these challenges, public support for abortion rights remains strong. Since the Supreme Court decision, there have been numerous ballot questions related to reproductive rights, with advocates securing victories in the majority. In the 2024 election, five states amended their constitutions to include the right to abortion, while similar measures failed in three states. Despite political shifts, voter support for legal abortion has remained steady, reflecting a consistent majority in favor of reproductive rights.
