A Guttmacher Institute report reveals a significant increase in medication abortions in the U.S. following the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade. In 2023, medication abortions comprised about 63% of all abortions, a notable rise from 53% in 2020. This shift reflects people’s efforts to overcome barriers to access necessary care, with Amy Friedrich-Karnik of Guttmacher emphasizing that “abortion is health care.”
The report indicates a growing reliance on medication abortions since their approval by the FDA in 2000. However, this method faces challenges, with 14 states completely banning abortion and others imposing strict regulations on acquiring necessary drugs.
The Supreme Court is set to hear a case that could impact the availability of mifepristone, one of the drugs used in medication abortions. Despite potential judicial hurdles, major pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens have begun dispensing mifepristone.
Overall, the U.S. saw a 10% increase in abortions from 2020, with significant rises in states without complete bans or those neighboring states with strict abortion laws. The report highlights a critical shift in abortion practices, emphasizing medication abortion’s role in providing privacy and accessibility, particularly for marginalized communities. This trend, however, could face significant challenges depending on upcoming judicial decisions.