2024 Surge in Abortions Linked to Telehealth Prescriptions: Key Insights from Recent Report

In 2024, the number of abortions in the U.S. has increased. Despite various state bans and restrictions, many women are finding ways to access these services. A recent report from the WeCount project by the Society of Family Planning highlights this trend. It coincided with the third anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, which had protected the right to abortion for nearly 50 years.

As it stands, 12 states have outright bans on abortion throughout pregnancy, with a few others imposing restrictions as early as six weeks—often before a woman even knows she is pregnant. While the national abortion total has risen, some states report almost no access at all. Instead, abortion pills obtained via telehealth are becoming a more common option for many women.

Last year, about 1.1 million abortions occurred in the U.S., averaging about 95,000 each month. This represents an increase from 2023, where about 88,000 abortions were reported monthly. However, the current figures remain significantly lower than the late 1990s peak of nearly 1.6 million annually. The Society of Family Planning estimates these numbers based on surveys of providers.

Interestingly, telehealth has transformed access to abortion services. Before the Supreme Court decision, only about 5% of abortions were accessed through telehealth. However, that figure jumped to 25% in the last three months of 2024. This increase is partly due to protective laws enacted in some states to safeguard medical professionals who prescribe abortion pills to patients in restrictive states. Additionally, WeCount clarified that around half of the telehealth abortions last year were enabled by these shield laws.

Amid this shifting landscape, anti-abortion groups are increasingly focused on limiting access to abortion pills. Several states have initiated legal actions to restrict telehealth prescriptions of mifepristone, a key medication used in medical abortions. Last month, the Trump administration expressed doubt about the states’ legal authority to pursue these cases. The Supreme Court has also ruled against similar challenges in the past, stating that anti-abortion advocates did not have standing to sue.

Louisiana and Texas officials are employing criminal and civil penalties against doctors who prescribe abortion pills across state lines. These efforts, coupled with declining numbers of people traveling for abortions, highlight the complex dynamics surrounding this issue. While some women feel empowered to seek services via telehealth, the changing laws and increasing restrictions continue to pose significant challenges.

According to the Guttmacher Institute, the trend of crossing state lines for abortions has decreased, indicating that women are adapting their strategies in response to local laws. The balance between access and restriction continues to evolve, making it essential for those concerned to stay informed about changing laws and available resources.

For more detailed information on the changing landscape of abortion access, visit the Society of Family Planning’s report here.

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