Three Trends Changing the Abortion Landscape
The abortion landscape in California is rapidly evolving, with significant implications for the well-being of women and families. Here are three significant trends that we want to highlight:
1. Rising Number of Abortions
After falling for over 25 years, California has seen a 16% increase in the number of abortions from 2019 to 2023, amounting to over 27,000 more abortions in 2023 compared to 2019. While some of this rise may be attributed to women from other states seeking services in California after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, it does not fully explain the substantial increase.
Source: Guttmacher Institute
The growing accessibility of medical abortions is a major factor.
These procedures allow women to terminate early pregnancies (typically within the first 10 weeks) by self-administering prescribed abortion pills at home after acquiring them through telehealth or healthcare providers. Medical abortions differ from morning-after pills (Plan B), which are classified as emergency contraception.
2. Prevalence of Medical Abortions
A striking 63% of all abortions in California are now medical (pill) abortions, highlighting the rapid growth and mainstream acceptance of this method as a viable option for terminating pregnancies. With medical abortions, women can go through the entire process without leaving their home for an appointment or for the procedure.
Source: Guttmacher Institute
While the ability to complete the entire abortion process at home offers convenience and privacy, this approach may have unintended consequences due to limited access to in-person counseling, guidance for informed decision-making, emotional support, and post-procedure care.
3. Rising Rates Among Young Women
Over the past ten years, younger women have increasingly decided to have abortions, with the abortion rate increasing 21% for 15-19 year-olds, 7% for 20 to 24 year-olds, and 10% for 25-29 year-olds. Conversely, the number of older women seeking abortions has decreased materially, dropping 27% for women ages 40 and over.
Source: CDC
Conclusion
As the abortion landscape continues to evolve, it is increasingly important to educate, care for, and support women facing crisis pregnancies as well as the children and families impacted by these trends.
