Telehealth Abortion Hits New High: 2024 WeCount Report Shows Rise Amid Bans
In 2024, abortion numbers in the U.S. reached an estimated 1.1 million—a significant increase compared to recent years. Despite growing state-level abortion bans, new data shows that telehealth abortions have skyrocketed, now accounting for 1 in 4 procedures nationwide.
The Rise of Virtual Access
Before the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, only about 5% of abortions were done via telehealth. Today, that number has jumped to 25%, as patients increasingly turn to abortion pills prescribed remotely.
This shift has been made possible by states that enacted "shield laws" protecting telehealth providers who prescribe and ship medication across state lines—even to places where abortion is banned.
In-Person Drops, Overall Numbers Hold
In states with strict abortion bans, in-person abortions declined dramatically. However, overall abortion access remained steady due to a combination of out-of-state travel and the growing use of telemedicine.
Legal Fights Heat Up
At the same time, legal challenges are mounting in several states that aim to restrict or criminalize mail-order abortion pills and telehealth prescribing practices. These cases could shape the future of virtual abortion care in the U.S.
Why It Matters
Telehealth is becoming a key battleground in the national abortion debate. As technology expands access, lawmakers and courts are scrambling to define how far that access can go. With elections looming, the future of reproductive rights and digital healthcare hangs in the balance.
