Growing Number of Women Self-Administer Abortions, Study Finds

Study Overview

A new study has found an increase in the number of women attempting to self-administer abortions following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June 2022. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, surveyed over 14,000 women of reproductive age in the United States, both before and after the landmark ruling.

Key Findings

• Pre- and Post-Roe v. Wade Overturn: The percentage of women who reported attempting to end their pregnancies on their own rose from 2.4% to 3.3% following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
• Methods Used: Women employed a range of methods, including taking medications like misoprostol and mifepristone without prescriptions, drinking alcohol, using drugs, and even resorting to physical methods such as hitting themselves in the abdomen.
• Health Complications: Some women experienced complications like bleeding and pain, requiring subsequent medical attention.

Reasons for Self-Administered Abortions

• Privacy Concerns: Some women preferred handling the process privately.
• Cost Issues: The high cost of clinic procedures deterred many from seeking professional help.
• First Attempt Preference: Many women opted to try ending their pregnancies by themselves before seeking clinical options.

Expert Insights

Dr. Grace Ferguson, a Pittsburgh OB-GYN and abortion provider, emphasized the study's confirmation that restricting access to abortion services leads individuals to seek alternative, often unsafe, methods. She stressed the need for accessible and safe abortion services to prevent health risks associated with self-administered methods.

Data Limitations

• Under-Reporting: Researchers noted potential under-reporting due to the sensitive and possibly criminalized nature of the behavior.
• Misinterpretation of Questions: Some women might have misunderstood the survey questions, especially post-Dobbs decision.

Funding and Support

The research was funded by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and an anonymous foundation. Researchers continue to advocate for the need for comprehensive reproductive health services and support systems for women.

Conclusion

The study underscores the critical need for accessible and safe abortion services to prevent health risks and ensure women's well-being. It highlights the urgent need for policymakers to address the implications of restricted abortion access and support women's reproductive rights and health.