Researchers Reveal 1 in 10 Abortions Now Stem from Online-Only Clinics a Year Post-Roe Overturn

New data from the Guttmacher Institute reveals that one in ten abortions in the U.S. in the year following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade were conducted via online-only clinics. This insight is part of the organization’s Monthly Abortion Provision Study, which offers state-level estimates for the first time on the types of abortion methods utilized.

The findings indicate a significant shift towards medication abortions, especially in states without comprehensive abortion bans. In 2023, 63% of clinician-provided abortions were performed using medication. Isabel DoCampo, a senior research associate at Guttmacher, emphasized the importance of this data amidst growing threats to telemedicine and medication abortion access.

The looming possibility of restrictions from the Trump administration could severely limit telemedicine abortion services and the distribution of abortion pills. Currently, a federal lawsuit challenges the FDA’s approval of mifepristone, a key medication in the abortion process. Additionally, GenBioPro, a leading manufacturer of abortion pills, is now a defendant in this legal battle.

Data for the Monthly Abortion Provision Study came from abortion providers in states without total abortion bans between January 2023 and November 2024, utilizing statistical models for estimates. Notably, self-managed abortions were excluded, along with states that impose total bans on telemedicine abortions.

Wyoming emerged as having the highest estimated percentage of medication abortions at 95%, while the District of Columbia reported the lowest at 44%. Other states showing high medication abortion proportions include Montana (84%), Georgia (83%), and Nebraska (83%). In contrast, states like Ohio and Florida had much lower rates at 46% and 55%, respectively.

Factors influencing these statistics vary significantly, including state abortion laws, population density, availability of clinics, and insurance coverage specifics for different abortion methods. For example, Wyoming’s high percentage can be attributed to its sparse clinic availability and, at the time of the study, stringent abortion regulations, whereas Delaware, with its higher number of clinics, also reported significant medication abortion rates.

DoCampo noted that the data offers a snapshot rather than a comprehensive view of abortion seekers’ preferences, pointing out that certain demographics, such as Black individuals and those living below the federal poverty line, often show a preference for procedural abortions over medication. Nonetheless, medication abortion has increasingly become the most accessible option in many regions, complemented by a reported nationwide decline in brick-and-mortar clinics offering procedural abortions.