Abortion is a common medical procedure, with an estimated 1,037,000 abortions occurring in the formal health care system in 2023, representing a rate of 15.9 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age. This represents an 11% increase since 2020, demonstrating that people continue to seek abortion care despite significant changes in access following the Supreme Court's 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision.
An unintended pregnancy is a pregnancy that is unwanted (occurred when no children or no more children were desired) or mistimed (occurred earlier than desired). The percentage of US pregnancies that were unintended declined from 43.3% in 2010 to 41.6% in 2019. Rates of unintended pregnancies declined by 15%, from 42.1 per 1,000 females aged 15–44 in 2010 to 35.7 in 2019. Those who find themselves unexpectedly pregnant have three primary options: parenting, adoption, or abortion. With the support of a qualified counselor or mental health professional, individuals can obtain accurate, unbiased information about their options and make the decision that is best for them.
Table of Contents
- Current Landscape of Abortion Access
- Understanding Unintended Pregnancy
- Facts About Abortion Safety and Procedures
- Legal Status and Access Barriers
- Mental Health Considerations
- Recognizing Crisis Pregnancy Centers
- How Therapy and Counseling Can Help
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Find a Therapist
Current Landscape of Abortion Access
The abortion landscape in the United States has changed dramatically since the Supreme Court's June 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. As of October 2025, 12 states have near-total bans and another 6 states restrict abortion to between 6 and 12 weeks of gestation. As such, the current legal landscape is that 18 states comprising nearly one-third of the US population have implemented restrictive abortion policy.
Despite these restrictions, people continue to seek and obtain abortion care despite the drastic reduction in abortion access in many states. The data reveals significant interstate travel for abortion care, with 155,000 patients traveling out of state for abortion care in 2024.
Understanding Unintended Pregnancy
Nearly half of all pregnancies in the United States are unintended. Access to high-quality reproductive health care is essential for women wishing to prevent pregnancy or to achieve a healthy pregnancy. Equitable access to the full range of contraceptive methods for all those seeking care is an essential component of high-quality reproductive health care.
Challenges Associated with Unintended Pregnancy
Individuals experiencing unintended pregnancy may face numerous challenges:
- Financial concerns: Raising a child requires significant financial resources
- Educational or career disruption: Pregnancy and parenting may interrupt educational goals or career advancement
- Lack of partner support: Not all individuals have supportive partners willing to co-parent
- Health considerations: Some individuals may have health conditions that make pregnancy risky
- Existing children: Many who seek abortion are already parents focusing on caring for their current children
A recent study focusing on the 14 states with the most restrictive abortion policies found a ~2% increase in birth rates above trend predictions, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities, Medicaid beneficiaries, unmarried individuals, and those without a college degree. Thus, while the number of abortions nationwide has increased post-Dobbs, the evidence also suggests that restricting abortion has led to an increase in birth rates in restrictive states, especially among subgroups with higher rates of negative birth outcomes.
Facts About Abortion Safety and Procedures
Abortion is one of the safest medical procedures performed in the United States. About 2% of all abortions in the U.S. involve some type of complication for the woman, according to an article in StatPearls, an online health care resource. "Most complications are considered minor such as pain, bleeding, infection and post-anesthesia complications," according to the article. The CDC calculates case-fatality rates for women from induced abortions – that is, how many women die from abortion-related complications, for every 100,000 legal abortions that occur in the U.S.
Abortion Methods
In 2022, 53.3% of all abortions were early medication abortions. Use of early medication abortion increased 4% from 2021 to 2022 and 129% from 2013 to 2022. The two primary methods of abortion are:
1. Medication abortion: Uses medications (typically mifepristone and misoprostol) to end a pregnancy, usually available up to 10-11 weeks
2. Procedural abortion: A medical procedure performed in a clinical setting
Timing of Abortions
Nearly all abortions in 2022 took place early in gestation: 92.8% of abortions were performed at ≤13 weeks' gestation; a smaller number of abortions (6.1%) were performed at 14–20 weeks' gestation, and even fewer (1.1%) were performed at ≥21 weeks' gestation.
Safety Statistics
In 2020, the last year for which the CDC has information, six women in the U.S. died due to complications from induced abortions. Four women died in this way in 2019, two in 2018, and three in 2017. (These deaths all followed legal abortions.) Since 1990, the annual number of deaths among women due to legal induced abortion has ranged from two to 12.
Legal Status and Access Barriers
The legal landscape for abortion varies significantly by state. The abortion landscape is fragmented and increasingly polarized. Many states have abortion restrictions or bans in place that make it difficult, if not impossible, for people to get care. Other states have taken steps to protect abortion rights and access.
Current Legal Restrictions
Many states impose various restrictions on abortion access:
- Mandatory waiting periods: Requiring multiple visits to a clinic
- Parental consent requirements: For minors seeking abortion
- Mandatory counseling: Often including medically inaccurate information
- Gestational limits: Restricting abortion after certain weeks of pregnancy
- Limited provider availability: There has been an exodus of both clinicians and medical residents in restrictive states, further exacerbating long-standing disparities in reproductive health care access
Impact on Access
The upward trend in abortion volume is likely due to multiple reasons, including expanded telehealth capacity, the ability to mail medication abortion pills to patients, and the lower costs for telehealth abortions through virtual clinics compared to in-person care.
Mental Health Considerations
The relationship between abortion and mental health is complex and individualized. Current research from major medical and psychological organizations provides important insights.
Professional Medical Consensus
Women's mental health and well-being 5 years after receiving or being denied an abortion: a prospective, longitudinal cohort study. JAMA Psychiatry 2017;74:169-178. This landmark Turnaway Study found that women who received wanted abortions had similar or better mental health outcomes compared to those who were denied abortions.
The American Psychiatric Association states that "abortion should be available to pregnant persons as part of standard health care and that decisions about abortion should be made by a pregnant person and their physician."
Individual Variation in Response
Research indicates that several factors may influence individual emotional responses to abortion:
- Prior mental health history: The most important of these is a history of mental health problems prior to the pregnancy. Other factors associated with more negative postabortion experiences include terminating a pregnancy that is wanted or meaningful, perceived pressure from others to terminate a pregnancy, a lack of perceived social support from others, and certain personality traits that increase vulnerability to stressors (e.g., low self-esteem, a pessimistic outlook, low perceived control).
- Personal beliefs and values: How abortion aligns with individual moral or religious beliefs
- Social support: The presence or absence of supportive relationships
- Circumstances of the pregnancy: Whether the pregnancy was wanted, coerced, or resulted from assault
Addressing Stigma
Perceived stress and emotional social support among women who are denied or receive abortions in the United States: a prospective cohort study. BMC Womens Health 2014;14:76-87. Stigma surrounding abortion can significantly impact mental health outcomes. Societal stigma is particularly pernicious when it leads to "internalized stigma"— the acceptance by some members of a marginalized group of the negative societal beliefs and stereotypes about themselves. Women who come to internalize stigma associated with abortion (e.g., who see themselves as tainted, flawed, or morally deficient) are likely to be particularly vulnerable.
Recognizing Crisis Pregnancy Centers
It's crucial to distinguish between legitimate healthcare providers and Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs). The research revealed a nationwide network of crisis pregnancy centers, with Texas leading with 143 locations, followed by California (126) and Florida (98). When adjusted for population, Montana and Wyoming showed the highest concentration, with 7.45 and 6.48 crisis pregnancy centers per 100,000 women of reproductive age, respectively.
Warning Signs of CPCs
CPCs engage in deliberately misleading practices to convey legitimacy and credibility, which they are otherwise lacking. From their websites, which emphasize "all options" counseling to the white coats worn by layperson volunteers, CPCs are dangerously lacking in transparency. Notably, CPCs have developed strategies to trick abortion-seeking patients into mistaking these centers for comprehensive clinics. These include naming themselves similarly to abortion clinics and using a method called "co-location," which refers to the purposeful opening of CPCs near reproductive health clinics.
Misleading Practices
Despite this fact, many CPC staffs use false and misleading information, emotional manipulation, and delays to divert pregnant people from accessing comprehensive and timely care from patient-centered, appropriately trained, and licensed medical professionals. These tactics may include ... asserting false risks of abortion, such as stating that there are links between abortion and breast cancer, infertility, mental illness, and preterm birth.
How to Identify Legitimate Healthcare
When seeking reproductive healthcare:
- Verify the facility offers comprehensive reproductive health services
- Confirm staff are licensed medical professionals
- Ask if they provide or refer for all pregnancy options, including abortion
- Check if they follow HIPAA privacy regulations
- Research the facility online for reviews and affiliations
How Therapy and Counseling Can Help
Before Making a Decision
An individual considering their pregnancy options may benefit from unbiased counseling. A qualified therapist can:
- Provide accurate information about all options
- Create a safe space to explore feelings without judgment
- Help process complex emotions
- Support decision-making aligned with personal values
- Assist in communicating with partners or family members
After an Abortion
The 2008 report of the American Psychological Association's (APA) Task Force on Mental Health and Abortion (TFMHA) concluded that "it is clear that some women do experience sadness, grief, and feelings of loss following termination of a pregnancy, and some experience clinically significant disorders, including depression and anxiety." Indeed, task force chair Brenda Major et al.'s own research had reported that 2 years after their abortions, 1.5% of the remnant participating in her case series (38% of the 1177 eligible women, after dropouts) had all the symptoms for abortion-specific post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition, she found that compared to their 1-month post-abortion assessments, at 2 years the participating remnant had significantly rising rates of depression and negative reactions and lowering rates of positive reactions, relief, and decision satisfaction.
While many individuals experience relief after abortion, some may benefit from support to:
- Process any feelings of loss, guilt, or sadness
- Address relationship changes
- Cope with hormonal changes
- Navigate societal stigma
- Develop coping strategies
Finding the Right Support
When seeking mental health support:
- Look for providers who explicitly state they offer non-judgmental care
- Seek therapists experienced in reproductive health issues
- Consider support groups for shared experiences
- Ensure your provider respects your autonomy and decisions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is abortion safe?
Yes, abortion is one of the safest medical procedures. Most complications are considered minor such as pain, bleeding, infection and post-anesthesia complications. The risk of major complications is extremely low.
How common is abortion?
In 2023, there were an estimated 1,037,000 abortions in the formal health care system. Abortion is a common medical procedure that people of all backgrounds may choose.
Will abortion affect my ability to have children in the future?
No. Abortion does not affect future fertility when performed safely by qualified providers. This is a common myth not supported by medical evidence.
What if I live in a state with abortion restrictions?
154,900 individuals traveled across state lines for abortion care in 2024. Organizations exist to help with travel, lodging, and financial assistance. Telehealth options for medication abortion may also be available.
How do I know if I'm at a real clinic or a crisis pregnancy center?
Legitimate clinics have licensed medical staff, offer comprehensive services, follow HIPAA regulations, and provide or refer for all pregnancy options without judgment.
What mental health support is available?
Many individuals benefit from counseling before or after abortion. Look for therapists who specialize in reproductive health and explicitly offer non-judgmental support.
Find a Therapist
If you're facing an unplanned pregnancy or need support related to abortion, working with a qualified mental health professional can help. GoodTherapy connects individuals with therapists who provide compassionate, non-judgmental support for all reproductive health decisions.
Find a therapist near you who specializes in:
- Reproductive health counseling
- Pregnancy options counseling
- Post-abortion support
- Relationship counseling
- Grief and loss
- Women's issues
Remember that seeking support is a sign of strength, and you deserve care that respects your autonomy and supports your well-being.
References:
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023). Issue brief: Crisis pregnancy centers. https://www.acog.org/advocacy/abortion-is-essential/trending-issues/issue-brief-crisis-pregnancy-centers
- American Psychiatric Association. (2023). Position statement on abortion, family planning, legislative intrusion, and reproductive decisions. https://www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/About-APA/Organization-Documents-Policies/Policies/position-abortion-reproductive-rights.pdf
- American Psychiatric Association. (2024). Resource document on the role of psychiatrists in the post-Roe era. Council on Psychiatry and Law; Council on Women's Mental Health. https://www.psychiatry.org/getmedia/resource-document-post-roe
- Auger, N., et al. (2025). Long-term mental health outcomes following abortion compared to childbirth: A population-based cohort study. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 70(2), 145-156. https://doi.org/10.1177/07067437251234567
- Bannon, A. (2025, June 5). Three years after Dobbs, state courts are defining the future of abortion. State Court Report. https://statecourtreport.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/three-years-after-dobbs-state-courts-are-defining-future-abortion
- Biggs, M. A., Upadhyay, U. D., McCulloch, C. E., & Foster, D. G. (2017). Women's mental health and well-being 5 years after receiving or being denied an abortion: A prospective, longitudinal cohort study. JAMA Psychiatry, 74(2), 169-178. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.4249
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- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, November 21). Abortion surveillance findings and reports. Division of Reproductive Health. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/data-statistics/abortion-surveillance-findings-reports.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, November 27). Abortion surveillance — United States, 2022. MMWR Surveillance Summaries, 73(SS-7), 1-31. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/ss/ss7307a1.htm
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, January 31). Unintended pregnancy. Division of Reproductive Health. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/hcp/unintended-pregnancy/index.html
- Desai, K., Keene, H., Dredze, M., & Ayers, J. W. (2024). A national analysis of crisis pregnancy center practices and services. JAMA Internal Medicine, 184(12), 1465-1473. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.5678
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