The Unchanged Trend
Despite the 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, the number of monthly abortions in the US has continued to rise. According to the Society of Family Planning, there were an average of 98,990 abortions per month between January and March 2024, a slight increase from previous years.
Telemedicine to the Rescue
The increase in abortion rates is attributed to the growth of telemedicine appointments, which accounted for 20% of all abortion services. This shift allows patients in states with near-total bans on abortion to access care remotely. In the first quarter of 2024, over 9,000 abortions were carried out via telehealth services, with clinics providing medication through the mail after a remote consultation.
States with Bans See Decreased Abortions
In contrast, the 14 states with near-total bans on abortion have seen significant decreases in the number of abortions provided in-state. The report estimates that if abortion had not been banned in these states, there would have been 208,040 abortions in the 21 months since the Supreme Court decision. This staggering number highlights the devastating impact of these restrictions on women’s reproductive rights.
The Burden of Restrictions
According to Alison Norris, co-chair of the #WeCount report, while the volume of abortions has increased, the burden on individuals living in states with abortion bans is immense. The need for in-person abortion care creates an enormous challenge for those seeking access to safe and legal abortions. The lack of access to healthcare in these states is a significant concern for public health.
The Global Impact
The US Supreme Court decision has had a ripple effect globally, with some countries like France enshrining the freedom to get an abortion in their constitution. Meanwhile, European activists are seeking EU funding for abortion services in countries with restrictions. The ongoing debate surrounding reproductive rights serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting access to safe and legal abortions worldwide.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Al Jazeera
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