Medication abortions drove up number of US procedures after Roe’s repeal, study shows

The study published in the medical journal JAMA reveals that the number of abortions performed in the US has increased since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. This rise is primarily driven by the use of medication abortions, which have become more accessible through telehealth services. The data shows that an abortion provider shipped almost 120,000 packs of abortion pills to US residents between July 2023 and August 2024, with nearly 100,000 of those going to states that have banned or restricted the procedure. The provision rate of abortion pills was more than three times higher in states that ban abortion compared to those that do not. The findings have surprised experts, as the overturning of Roe v. Wade was expected to lead to a decrease in the number of abortions performed in the country. However, the ability of providers to supply abortion pills through telehealth has enabled access to the procedure, even in states where it is now illegal.