Abortion Numbers Rise Despite Bans: What's Going On?

Three years after the Supreme Court ended nationwide abortion rights, something unexpected is happening. More abortions are taking place now than before the bans. In 2024, over a million abortions were performed across the US. This is the highest number seen in recent years. People are still seeking abortions, even where it's banned. The main change is that it's become much harder to get one. Many are turning to telehealth services. This means meeting with a doctor online and getting abortion pills delivered by mail. In just a year, the number of telehealth abortions jumped from 19% to 25%.

Why the rise? Shield laws are a big reason. These laws protect doctors who help people in states with bans. Since these laws started, the number of shield-law abortions has shot up. In just six months, the number went from under 6, 000 to almost 14, 000. But not everyone is happy about this. Some states are fighting back. Texas and Louisiana are trying to stop doctors from sending abortion pills across state lines. They say it's illegal. Others are questioning the safety of common abortion drugs, even though many studies say they're safe. Still, the demand keeps growing. Experts say this won't last forever. But for now, the need for abortions isn't going away. And people are finding new ways to get the care they need.

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