Summary

Contrary to many predictions, abortions did not decline nationally after the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade. Instead, U.S. abortion rates rose in 2023, surpassing 1 million, driven by expanded access to abortion pills and increased out-of-state travel.

Telemedicine policies, donations, and shield laws protecting providers enabled medication abortions to account for 63% of all abortions.

However, low-income women of color face significant barriers.

Advocates fear restrictions under a Trump administration, including tighter FDA rules on abortion pills or enforcement of the Comstock Act.