Telehealth Prescriptions Drove Sharp Rise in Abortions Across US in 2024

Abortion rates in the United States have continued to rise in 2024, according to a report released by the WeCount project of the Society of Family Planning. This increase comes despite the implementation of bans and restrictions in numerous states following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade nearly three years ago.

The report indicates that approximately 1.1 million abortions were performed nationally last year, averaging about 95,000 per month. This represents an increase from 88,000 monthly in 2023 and 80,000 monthly in the latter part of 2022. It’s important to note, however, that these figures remain well below the historical peak of nearly 1.6 million abortions annually in the late 1990s.

Twelve states are now enforcing bans on abortion at all stages of pregnancy, with limited exceptions, while four states have implemented bans that take effect at or around six weeks of gestation. Despite these restrictions, women are finding alternative methods to access abortion services.

Turning now to the broader implications, the report highlights a significant shift in abortion methods. The use of abortion pills obtained through telehealth appointments has become increasingly common across nearly all states. The data suggests that one in four abortions in the last quarter of 2024 were accessed via telehealth, a substantial increase from one in twenty before the Dobbs ruling.

Several Democrat-controlled states enacted laws to protect medical professionals who prescribe abortion pills via telehealth to patients in states with bans or restrictions. The WeCount data indicates that approximately half of telehealth abortions last year were facilitated by these shield laws.

The WeCount project relies primarily on surveys of abortion providers and uses estimates. The accuracy of these figures and their implications raise important questions about the changing landscape of reproductive health care in America.

The evidence suggests that as restrictions tighten in some areas, alternative methods of access are expanding. This shift has not gone unnoticed by those opposed to abortion, with several states now targeting telehealth prescriptions of abortion medication through legal challenges and proposed legislation.

This is a complex and evolving situation that will likely continue to shape national discourse and policy in the months and years to come. As always, we will strive to bring you the most accurate and up-to-date information as it becomes available.