Pill Method Dominates as 63% of 2023 US Abortions Despite Law Changes

Following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, medication abortions became the predominant method of abortion in the United States, comprising 63% of all abortions in 2023. The report by the Guttmacher Institute indicates that in the year following the Court's ruling, approximately 642,700 medication abortions occurred within the healthcare system. This shift is a consequence of the decision which led to the cessation of nearly all abortion services in 14 states, prompting an increased reliance on medication rather than surgical procedures.

In 2025, the Guttmacher Institute reported an estimated 1,026,690 abortions in the formal U.S. healthcare system, the highest number since 2012 and representing a rate of 15.7 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age. This increase is notable, considering the tightening of abortion laws in several states. States bordering those with bans have seen the steepest rises in abortion numbers, indicating a potential spillover effect. The predominant medication abortion regimen consists of mifepristone and misoprostol, which are currently at the center of a legal challenge that could impact nationwide access to these medications.

While the report captures data from official healthcare systems, it is suggested that the actual numbers may be higher. The increase in abortions is attributed to factors such as the greater availability of telehealth services for medication abortion and the financial support provided to those in states without bans. Access to medication abortion remains uncertain as legal challenges continue, highlighting the evolving landscape of reproductive healthcare in the U.S.