New Frontier of Abortion Access in America: Recent data shows a major shift in US abortion access. With abortion illegal in over a dozen states and limited in many others, cross-state abortion travel has risen. This tendency is documented by the Guttmacher Institute, a major sexual and reproductive health research institution.
During the first half of 2023, more than 92,000 people, nearly 1 in 5 seeking abortion, journeyed across state borders for their care. This marks a stark contrast to the pre-Dobbs decision era in 2020 when less than 1 in 10 individuals, about 50,000 fewer people, left their home state for abortion.
The Guttmacher Institute’s data, however, likely underestimates the true impact of the Dobbs decision. Not only are more people traveling for abortion care, but they’re also covering greater distances. This is primarily due to neighboring states implementing bans and restrictions, forcing individuals to cross multiple state lines, incurring higher financial and logistical costs.
This increase in travel is reshaping the clinical landscape for those seeking abortions, leading providers to adapt. Clinics in states like Ohio are observing patients at later gestational ages. While medication abortion remains prevalent, more patients, especially those from out of state, opt for procedural abortion to ensure effectiveness.
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Beyond the examination room, supporting patients takes on new dimensions. The logistics of travel, often involving long journeys with family members, add layers of complexity. Waiting rooms at clinics have been adjusted to accommodate weary travelers, offering toys, snacks, and comfortable spaces for those who have undertaken significant journeys.
The Guttmacher Institute’s research also reveals states with a rise in out-of-state patients. Nearly three-quarters of cross-state abortions occurred in New Mexico. Over 8,200 out-of-state visitors sought abortion care in New Mexico in the first half of 2023.
Despite increased support and a rise in overall abortions, broader trends indicate that many individuals face insurmountable barriers to care due to recent restrictions. A separate analysis estimates that nearly a quarter of individuals seeking abortion in the US were unable to get one, leading to approximately 32,000 more births than expected in the first half of 2023.
As the abortion frontier evolves, questions arise about those left behind and the significance of being in areas where abortion access is still possible. The journey across state lines reflects not only a physical but also a socio-political borderland, raising concerns about the future of reproductive rights in the United States.