**US Abortions Declined in the First Half of 2025, Report Finds**
By Snehil Singh | September 30, 2025 | 4:24 PM
The number of abortions performed by clinicians in the United States has declined during the first half of 2025, according to a recent report by the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that supports abortion rights. The report highlights a 5% decrease compared to the same period last year, equating to an average of approximately 4,700 fewer abortions each month.
### Pronounced Decline in Restrictive States
The decline is most notable in states enforcing six-week gestation bans, as well as in states bordering those with total abortion bans. These restrictions appear to have had a significant impact on abortion rates in these regions.
### Trends in Out-of-State Travel for Abortions
Despite the overall decrease, traveling across state lines for abortion services remains more common than before the 2022 Dobbs decision, when the US Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution does not guarantee the right to abortion. In early 2025, about one in seven people seeking abortions traveled out of state, marking an 8% decrease from the same period last year.
Florida, a key access point for abortion care, experienced a substantial 27% drop in clinician-provided abortions during this timeframe.
### Legal Protections and Medication Access
In response to tightening restrictions, eight states have enacted shield laws that protect abortion providers operating in jurisdictions where abortion remains legal. The Society of Family Planning reported nearly 14,000 abortions facilitated under these laws in December 2024 alone.
Federal agencies are currently reviewing the safety and efficacy of mifepristone, a medication used for medication abortions. This review has raised concerns about potential access limitations, amid ongoing debates over regulatory oversight.
### Advocacy and the Need for Support
Kelly Baden, vice president of public policy at the Guttmacher Institute, emphasized the critical need for shield laws and financial assistance to support individuals seeking abortion care in restrictive states. Major medical organizations have also called for wider accessibility of mifepristone, underscoring its importance in abortion care.
While the US Supreme Court did not block access to mifepristone in June 2024, it left open the possibility for future regulatory changes. This decision continues to place pressure on federal agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), regarding the drug’s availability.
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As abortion access remains heavily impacted by state-level policies and ongoing federal reviews, support systems and protective legislation play an essential role in ensuring individuals can obtain the care they need.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/us-abortions-provided-by-clinicians-dropped-in-2025-first-half/story