Study Unveils Alarming Rise in Self-Managed Procedures After Roe v. Wade Overturn
A new study reveals a dramatic increase in self-managed abortions following the Supreme Court's overturn of Roe v. Wade. The research shows a significant rise in the use of abortion pills and other self-administered methods, driven by privacy concerns and restrictive state laws. With over 20 states imposing stricter abortion bans, many are turning to unsafe methods in the absence of accessible medical care. Read More...
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals a rise in the number of people attempting to end pregnancies without medical assistance following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade. The research, conducted by Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health from the University of California-San Francisco, surveyed over 14,000 individuals across two periods—December 2021 to January 2022 and June to July 2023.
The study found that the percentage of those using the abortion pill mifepristone for self-managed abortions increased from 6.6% before the Roe v. Wade reversal to 11% in 2023. Privacy concerns were a significant factor for those seeking self-managed abortions, with many preferring to maintain autonomy and avoid disclosure of their situation.
Tia Freeman, a reproductive health organizer, leads workshops in Tennessee—a state where abortion is almost entirely illegal—on how to safely use abortion pills outside of medical settings. Freeman notes that logistical challenges, such as the cost of traveling to another state, lack of child care, and fear of losing wages, drive many to seek self-managed abortions.
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In contrast, Kristi Hamrick of Students for Life Action criticized the study, suggesting that the findings benefit those providing abortion pills and doubting the reported increase.
Study co-author Lauren Ralph highlighted that state laws criminalizing abortion also contribute to the rise in self-managed procedures. The research showed that 6% of respondents cited abortion’s illegality in their state as a reason for self-management.
The study also noted various methods used by those self-managing abortions, including drug use, heavy lifting, hot baths, and even physical harm like hitting themselves. Despite these methods, OB-GYN Laura Laursen emphasized that medication abortions using mifepristone and misoprostol are generally safe, whether conducted inside or outside the formal health care system.
Since the end of Roe v. Wade, more than 20 states have enacted bans or further restrictions on abortion access.
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