A new report reveals that despite abortion bans and restrictions in certain states, thousands of women are receiving abortion pills through mail services from states where prescribers are legally protected.
The #WeCount survey, released on Tuesday, shows that approximately 8,000 women per month in states with severe abortion restrictions or limitations on telehealth were obtaining these pills by mail by the end of 2023. This marks the first quantification of how frequently this workaround in the medical system is utilized.
The research was conducted by the Society of Family Planning, an organization that advocates for abortion rights. According to the study, another 8,000 women in states without significant bans or restrictions on telehealth abortion were receiving pills monthly through virtual appointments.
Mifepristone boxes (Via Alex Hazelwood/Getty Images)
Overall, the survey identified around 90,000 monthly surgical or medication abortions provided by medical professionals in 2023, which is higher compared to the previous year. Another recent study indicated that nearly two-thirds of these abortions were medication-based.
By December 2023, the survey found that providers in states with legal protections were prescribing pills to approximately 6,000 women monthly in states where abortion is banned after cardiac activity is detectable — typically around six weeks, often before women are aware of their pregnancy. Additionally, about 2,000 women per month in states with laws limiting abortion pill prescriptions via telemedicine were also receiving prescriptions.
