Abortion Rates Remain Stable Despite State Restrictions, New Report Finds

Despite increasing restrictions on abortion access across the United States, the number of abortions performed has remained largely unchanged in recent years, according to a new report released Tuesday by the Guttmacher Institute. The findings suggest that strategies to circumvent state bans, such as telehealth and cross-state travel, are maintaining access to abortion care for many individuals.

The Impact of State Restrictions

Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, anti-abortion rights advocates have focused on enacting state-level laws and pursuing legal challenges to limit abortion access. However, the Guttmacher Institute report indicates these efforts haven’t yet translated into a significant decrease in the overall number of abortions performed.

Key Findings from the Guttmacher Report

The report estimates that approximately 1,126,000 abortions were provided in the U.S. In 2025, a figure consistent with the 1,112,000 abortions reported in 2024. Isaac Maddow-Zimet, a data scientist at the Guttmacher Institute, noted the stability in abortion incidence despite the changing legal landscape.

The Rise of Telehealth and Medication Abortion

A significant factor contributing to the sustained access to abortion care is the increasing use of telehealth and medication abortion. In 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed mifepristone – one of the medications used for abortion – to be prescribed without an in-person appointment. This change, coupled with the passage of shield laws in states that support abortion access, has enabled more individuals to obtain abortion pills through the mail.

How Telehealth is Expanding Access

Telehealth allows patients in states with restrictive abortion laws to consult with healthcare providers remotely and receive medication abortion pills shipped directly to their homes. Organizations like The MAP in Massachusetts are facilitating this process, providing access to care for individuals who may otherwise face significant barriers.

Shifting Patterns of Abortion Access

While the overall number of abortions has remained stable, the report indicates a shift in how people are accessing care. More individuals in states with bans are utilizing telehealth, while fewer are traveling across state lines for in-person procedures. Approximately 91,000 patients in states with bans received telehealth abortions in 2025.

Legal Challenges and Future Outlook

Abortion-rights opponents are actively working to restrict access to medication abortion through legal challenges and legislative efforts. A federal judge is expected to rule soon in Louisiana v. FDA, a case challenging the FDA’s approval of mifepristone. These ongoing legal battles will likely continue to shape the landscape of abortion access in the United States.

Key Takeaways

• Despite increased state restrictions, the number of abortions performed in the U.S. Has remained relatively stable.
• Telehealth and medication abortion are playing a crucial role in maintaining access to care.
• Shifting patterns show more individuals utilizing telehealth in states with bans, while fewer are traveling for in-person procedures.
• Ongoing legal challenges threaten access to medication abortion.