Surge in Abortion Rates Across the U.S. Following Dobbs and Roe Overturning

Abortions in Minnesota have increased by nearly 40% since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in the Dobbs decision last June. This is part of a nationwide trend, with 14 states banning abortion completely and two implementing strict six-week bans. While abortions have dropped in those states, they have increased in states where abortion remains widely available, suggesting that women in restrictive states are traveling out of state for abortion care. The total number of abortions nationwide was up by roughly 5% in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Potential explanations for the increase include quicker access to abortion facilities, expanded telehealth capabilities, pro-choice fundraising, and legislation making it easier to obtain the procedure in abortion-friendly states like Minnesota.