Abortion by numbers: Statistics in the U.S.

Abortion is a common and essential aspect of health care. In fact, about one in four people who can become pregnant in the United States will have an abortion by the age of 45. Understanding how impacts many people across different backgrounds and circumstances can help people seeking care understand that they are not alone. 

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How many abortions happen in the U.S. each year?

Abortion rates in the United States change have changed a lot in recent years, but here are the most recent estimates:

• In 2021, the CDC reported 625,978 legal abortions. (Source)
• That same year, the Guttmacher Institute estimated 930,160 abortions—a higher number because they use more complete data. (Source)
• In 2023, the Guttmacher Institute estimated over 1 million abortions, showing an 11% increase since 2021 (Source)

Why the difference? The CDC compiles data voluntarily reported by state health agencies. However, not all states consistently submit data. In contrast, the Guttmacher Institute actively collects data directly from all known abortion providers nationwide, including clinics, hospitals, and physicians' offices. This comprehensive approach often results in higher figures.

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The impact of the overturn of Roe V. Wade

Following the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization in June 2022, which overturned Roe v. Wade, several states implemented near-total abortion bans. Consequently, states like Texas reported significant decreases in abortion rates, with only 60 abortions in 2023 compared to 50,783 in 2021 (a 99.9% drop). Idaho reported just five abortions in 2023. South Dakota and Arkansas both reported zero abortions (which we know to be clinically dishonest). Conversely, states such as New Mexico and Illinois, which maintained more permissive laws, experienced increases in abortion numbers. These trends underscore the impact of state policies on abortion access and highlight the movement of individuals seeking care across state lines.

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Medication abortions are on the rise

Access to medication abortion—using the pills mifepristone and misoprostol—has expanded significantly in recent years, and the data reflects just how important this option has become.

In 2023, 63% of all abortions in the U.S. were medication abortions. That’s up from 53% in 2020, and it marks the highest proportion ever recorded. This shift highlights a growing reliance on medication abortion as a safe, effective, and private option.

A big part of this rise is tied to the growth of telehealth. Since the FDA lifted in-person dispensing requirements for mifepristone during the COVID-19 pandemic (and then made those changes permanent in 2023), patients have been increasingly able to access abortion pills by mail through licensed telehealth providers like Hey Jane. That means people who might not live near a clinic—or who prefer the privacy and comfort of home—can still get the care they need.

State-by-state abortion statistics

Abortion rates vary significantly across states, influenced by local laws, access to health care facilities, and cultural factors.

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States with the most abortions

States with less restrictive abortion laws and more access to services report higher numbers of abortions. For instance, in 2023, Illinois saw an increase of about 18,300 abortions compared to 2020, reflecting its role as a haven for abortion seekers from neighboring Midwestern states with restrictive laws.

During the same period, New Mexico saw a 220% increase in abortion numbers, an additional 6,480 abortions. This significant rise reflects New Mexico's role as a critical access point for individuals from neighboring states with stringent abortion restrictions such as Arizona, Texas and Utah.

Perhaps surprisingly, the state with the highest number of reported abortions in 2021 (prior to the overturn of Roe v. Wade) was Florida, at 79,817 abortions, followed by New York, California, Illinois, and Texas. However, much has changed in Florida to restrict abortion access, and these rankings have changed.

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Demographic breakdown of abortion statistics

Understanding the demographics of individuals seeking abortions provides insight into the populations most affected by restrictive policies.

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Age

People in their 20s account for the majority of abortions in the U.S. In 2022, nearly 57% of abortions were obtained by individuals aged 20–29:

• Ages 20–24: 27.7%
• Ages 25–29: 29.1%

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Income level

According to the Guttmacher Institute, the majority of abortion patients are economically disadvantaged:

• 75% of abortion patients in 2014 (the most recent national demographic dataset available) were low-income, earning at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
• 49% lived below the poverty line.

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Race and ethnicity

Abortion rates differ across racial and ethnic groups, reflecting systemic inequalities in health care access, income, and contraception access. In 2022, this was the racial and ethnic breakdown of people who received abortions in the U.S.:

• Black patients: 42.9% 
• White patients: 27.6%
• Hispanic patients: 21.3%
• Other racial/ethnic groups: 8.2%

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Abortion is a normal part of health care. The statistics show that millions of people across the country share this experience, and that need hasn’t gone away just because laws have changed. Whether you’ve had an abortion, are considering one, or are just seeking to understand the facts—know that you’re not alone, and you deserve accurate information and compassionate care.