The patterns of out-of-state abortions
in 2017 varied across the United States based on state-specific factors such as abortion restrictions, socio-economic status, and availability of reproductive health services. Some states saw comparatively higher numbers of out-of-state abortions in the year 2017 than others.
In 2017, overall there were 797,652 total abortions in the United States, of which 12,123, or 1.5%, were obtained by out-of-state residents. States with the highest percentage of out-of-state abortions included Louisiana (4.2%), Mississippi (2.7%), Illinois (2%), and Texas (1.9%).
States with comparatively lower percentages of out-of-state abortions in 2017 included California (0.9%), New York (0.7%), and Pennsylvania (0.6%).
States with abortion restrictions, such as Pennsylvania, Ohio and Texas, tended to have comparatively higher percentages of out-of-state abortions. These restrictions may make it difficult for women in the state to access reproductive health services, leading them to seek services in other states where abortion is not as restricted.
Unsurprisingly, states with higher abortion rates overall such as California, New York and Florida had lower percentages of out-of-state abortions. This may be because they have a greater availability of reproductive health services, making it less necessary for women in the state to seek services outside of their own state.