The number of abortions in the United States saw a slight decline in 2022, the year the Supreme Court overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC’s data revealed that 613,383 legal induced abortions were reported in 2022, a 2% decrease from the 622,108 abortions reported in 2021.
In addition to the total number of procedures, both the abortion rate and the abortion ratio experienced modest declines. The abortion rate, which measures the number of abortions per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44, dropped 3% from 11.6 in 2021 to 11.2 in 2022. Meanwhile, the abortion ratio, which compares abortions to live births, fell by 2%, from 204 abortions per 1,000 live births in 2021 to 199 per 1,000 live births in 2022.
Key Demographics and Trends
Women in their 20s accounted for more than half of all abortions in 2022, a trend that has remained consistent in recent years. The majority of abortions, 93.1%, occurred before 13 weeks of gestation, reflecting advancements in early detection and access to abortion services. Regarding methods, 64.5% of abortions were conducted through surgical procedures, while 35.4% were medication-induced.
Legislative Changes and Their Impact
The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June 2022 had a significant impact on abortion access across the country. By overturning the federal precedent, the ruling allowed individual states to regulate abortion, resulting in a diverse patchwork of laws.
Some states enacted stringent restrictions or near-total bans, making it more difficult for individuals to access abortion services. Other states expanded access to compensate for the increased demand from neighboring states with restrictive laws. The slight national decline in abortion numbers reflects these varied legislative responses and the logistical and financial barriers they may have created for those seeking care.
Data Limitations
While the CDC’s findings provide critical insights into abortion trends, they come with limitations. Not all states have the same reporting requirements for abortion data, and some procedures may go unreported. As a result, the actual number of abortions performed in 2022 could be higher than indicated in the report.
Broader Implications
The 2022 data underscores the profound influence of legislative and judicial decisions on access to reproductive healthcare in the United States. Advocates on both sides of the abortion debate continue to navigate a shifting landscape, with ongoing legal battles and political efforts shaping the future of abortion access nationwide.
Sources:
- ABC News: Abortions fell 2% in the year Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade
- CDC: Abortion Surveillance Reports
- Associated Press: Abortion is still consuming US politics and courts 2 years after a Supreme Court draft was leaked
- TheM.us: Where Abortion Is Illegal Now: Abortion Law By State
Abortions Declined Slightly in 2022 Following Overturn of Roe v. Wade, CDC Reports
