Abortion Numbers Steady Despite State Restrictions, Telehealth Access Grows
The number of abortions provided in the United States remained stable in 2025, with an estimated 1,126,000 procedures performed, according to a new report from the Guttmacher Institute. This figure represents little change from 2024, despite increased restrictions on abortion access in many states following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022.
The Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that supports abortion access, published the findings on Tuesday, revealing a complex landscape of shifting access and evolving methods of care.
Telehealth and Shield Laws Maintain Access
A key factor contributing to the sustained number of abortions is the increased utilize of telehealth and medication abortion. The Food and Drug Administration’s decision in 2023 to allow mifepristone – one of the two drugs used in a medication abortion – to be prescribed without an in-person appointment has expanded access, particularly in states where abortion is restricted. This shift is further supported by “shield laws” enacted in states that protect abortion providers from legal repercussions when treating patients who travel from states with bans.
Isaac Maddow-Zimet, a data scientist at the Guttmacher Institute, explained that the rise in telehealth has offset some of the impact of state-level restrictions. “It makes sense that we’d witness a decline in travel because people accessing abortion care through telehealth in general then no longer require to travel for care,” he said.
Shifting Patterns of Care
The report indicates a decrease in cross-state travel for abortion services. In 2023, more individuals in states with restrictive laws accessed abortion care through telehealth, reducing the need to travel to other states. Approximately 91,000 patients in states with bans utilized telehealth abortion services in 2025.
Viv, a 27-year-old Atlanta resident, shared her experience with accessing medication abortion through The MAP, a Massachusetts-based organization. Facing Georgia’s six-week abortion ban, she opted for a telehealth consultation and received the necessary medication by mail. She described the process as easy and appreciated the thorough instructions and follow-up care provided. Viv as well highlighted Georgia’s high maternal mortality rate as a factor in her decision, emphasizing the importance of access to abortion care for women’s health.
Legal Challenges and Opposition
The sustained availability of abortion care, despite increasing restrictions, has drawn criticism from anti-abortion rights advocates. Legal challenges are underway, including a case in Louisiana seeking to reclassify medications used in abortion as controlled dangerous substances. These efforts aim to limit access to medication abortion and increase legal risks for providers.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill testified before a U.S. Senate committee in January, arguing that the FDA’s rules regarding mifepristone need to be changed to protect mothers and unborn children. A federal judge is expected to rule in the Louisiana v. FDA case soon.
The Impact of the Trump Pardons
The recent pardons issued by former President Donald Trump to anti-abortion activists convicted of blockading abortion clinic entrances also underscore the ongoing political and legal battles surrounding abortion access. As reported by NBC Washington, Trump pardoned individuals involved in the October 2020 blockade of a D.C. Clinic, including Lauren Handy, who was sentenced to nearly five years in prison for leading the blockade. The incident involved protestors chaining themselves to doors and obstructing access to care, resulting in injuries to clinic staff and the discovery of five fetuses in Handy’s home.
What’s Next: Ongoing Legal Battles and Data Monitoring
The future of abortion access in the United States remains uncertain. Ongoing legal challenges, coupled with the evolving landscape of state-level restrictions and the increasing use of telehealth, will continue to shape the availability of abortion care. The Guttmacher Institute and other organizations will continue to monitor abortion trends and provide data-driven insights to inform policy and advocacy efforts. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term impact of these changes on women’s health and reproductive rights.
The March for Life is scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C. On January 22, 2027, according to the March for Life website, continuing the annual demonstration against abortion. The organization states that over 62 million lives have been lost to legalized abortion since Roe v. Wade.