The Impact of Post-Roe Bans on Abortion Rates: A Quantitative Analysis

The first data on births since the overturning of Roe v. Wade reveals that abortion bans have led to an increase in births in every state with a ban. Researchers estimate that these laws have resulted in around 32,000 additional annual births, with one-fifth to one-fourth of women in ban states who may have sought an abortion carrying their pregnancies to term. The analysis also shows that the increase in births disproportionately affects women in their 20s, Black and Hispanic women, and those living in states with limited access to abortion clinics. The availability of online abortion pills from overseas vendors has played a role in some states. However, the data is preliminary, and further research is needed to fully understand the impact of the Dobbs decision on the fertility rate.