Surge in Sales of Birth Control, Plan B & Abortion Drugs Following Trump’s Election

Following Donald Trump’s presidential victory, sales of birth control and emergency contraception, including morning-after pills like Plan B and Restart, have surged significantly. Clinics have reported a marked increase in inquiries about long-acting contraceptive methods, especially IUDs, from women concerned about potential restrictions on abortion access.

“Patients are scared,” stated Dr. Dawn Bingham, an OB-GYN from South Carolina, a state that has enacted a six-week abortion ban. Although Trump has assured that his presidency will not impede access to contraceptives, skepticism remains among many women, fueled by his past comments suggesting openness to state-level restrictions.

Sales figures indicate a drastic shift in consumer behavior. Winx Health, the maker of Restart, noted that weekly sales post-election were 36 times higher than the previous week. Most purchases now consist of four-dose value packs rather than single doses, with sales rising a staggering 9,000% week over week. Similarly, Hey Jane, a service providing emergency contraceptives directly to patients, experienced a 187% jump in orders just three days after Trump’s election victory.

Women are not only looking to stock up on emergency contraception. Following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, there has been a spike in appointments for long-acting reversible contraceptive methods. Planned Parenthood reported a 760% increase in IUD appointments the day after the election and a 350% rise for progestin implants.

In light of potential impending restrictions, some women are even considering permanent contraception, such as tubal ligation. Dr. Bingham indicated an uptick in requests for sterilization, noting that many patients feel uncertain about their access to reversible options in the near future. The Planned Parenthood webpage dedicated to vasectomies also saw a 1,200% increase in traffic immediately following the election.

These changes reflect broader concerns stemming from the recent Supreme Court rulings, particularly the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, which has created confusion regarding the future of reproductive rights. Many states moved to restrict abortion access promptly after the ruling, while Arizona voters recently rejected a 15-week abortion ban, reinforcing protections through fetal viability.

Some proposals in various states aim to restrict access to contraception, particularly emergency contraceptives, further fueling anxiety among women. A recent KFF survey indicated that nearly half of adults remained uncertain about the legality of abortion medications in their states, a trend particularly pronounced among women aged 18 to 49.

Despite his assurances, Trump’s mixed messages have raised alarm. In a May interview, he suggested a willingness to consider restrictions, which led to public outcry; he later clarified his stance, declaring he would never advocate for birth control restrictions. Nevertheless, the Project 2025 blueprint, associated with a potential Trump administration, outlines ambitions to revoke approvals for mifepristone, the abortion pill, raising concerns about future regulatory actions.

The enforcement of historic laws, such as the Comstock Act, remains uncertain. While the Justice Department did not pursue enforcement after Dobbs, speculation persists that a new Trump administration could reinterpret this law, thereby expanding restrictions on abortion and contraceptives. Compounding the fears, political pressures within the administration may lead to stronger enforcement of such regulations.