Out-of-State Abortion Travel Doubles in U.S. Three Years After Roe v. Wade Overturn

Washington, D.C. – A new report from the Guttmacher Institute reveals a significant increase in out-of-state travel for abortion care across the United States, three years after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. According to data from 2024, more than one in seven individuals who obtained an abortion were required to cross state lines to access services. This trend marks a dramatic shift in abortion access, with approximately 155,000 people traveling out-of-state for abortions in 2024. This figure represents nearly double the number from five years prior, highlighting the profound impact of state-level abortion bans. Texas, a state with a total abortion ban, saw more than 28,000 of its residents travel for abortions. Many Texans sought care in neighboring New Mexico, but also traveled to states such as Kansas, Colorado, New York, Washington, and Michigan. Illinois has emerged as the leading destination for out-of-state abortion care, with about 35,000 people traveling there in 2024. The state's central location, surrounded by several states with total abortion bans, makes it a critical access point. While telehealth options for medication abortion are increasingly available, the data underscores that traveling for care is not a viable option for everyone. Abortion access in the post-Roe era is highly dependent on an individual's geographic location, creating significant barriers for many.