Changes in Abortion Access, Travel, and Costs Since the Implementation of State Abortion Bans, 2022–2024
Nancy F. Berglas, Jessica T. Barnes, Elizabeth Gonzalez, Lisa Peters, Diana Greene Foster
Abstract
Objectives. To compare the experiences of people who obtained abortions before the implementation of a state abortion ban with those seeking abortion after a ban. Methods. Using self-administered surveys (n = 855), we examined the abortion-seeking experiences of individuals recruited from clinics and call centers in 14 US states that implemented bans on abortion at all gestations, June 2022 to June 2024. We used bivariate analyses to compare differences in travel by ban status. Results. Most people (81%) who contacted a clinic or call center after a ban reported traveling to another state for an abortion; few (3%) continued their pregnancy to birth. Compared with those who accessed abortion in their state before a ban, postban travelers were less likely to drive and more likely to travel by bus, train, or airplane. Mean travel time (2.8 vs 11.3 hours), overnight stays (5% vs 58%), and mean travel costs ($179 vs $372) increased, as did mean pregnancy duration (7.7 vs 8.8 weeks) and the proportion occurring at 13 weeks or more duration (8% vs 17%). Conclusions. Travel burdens, costs, and delays in abortion have increased since the implementation of state abortion bans. ( Am J Public Health. 2025;115(10):1713–1722. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2025.308191 )