Pew Research Center’s recent surveys on abortion in the United States offer valuable insights into Americans’ perspectives on the legality of the procedure, among other aspects. Following the Supreme Court’s decision in June 2022 that revoked the constitutional right to abortion, a Center survey revealed that 62% of U.S. adults support the practice being legal in most or all cases, while 36% oppose it in most or all cases. This data reflects a nuanced standpoint on the issue, as highlighted in a previous survey conducted before the court ruling.
Data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Guttmacher Institute over the years sheds light on abortion trends in the U.S. The CDC’s annual “abortion surveillance” reports, spanning back to 1974, provide detailed information on abortions in different states. On the other hand, Guttmacher’s national surveys of abortion providers offer additional insights, including data on abortion incidence, service availability, and complications.
Notably, the number of abortions in the U.S. has fluctuated over time, with a general downward trend since the peak in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Both the CDC and Guttmacher data show a decrease in abortion rates over the years, with occasional variations in specific periods. The rise in medication abortions, incorporating abortion pills, has been a notable trend in recent years, indicating a shift in the types of procedures preferred by individuals seeking abortions.
Demographic data on women who have had abortions reveals insights into age, marital status, race, and previous live births. The majority of abortions occur in the first trimester of pregnancy, with a minimal percentage occurring in the second trimester or later. Additionally, statistics on medical complications from abortions indicate a low incidence rate, with minor issues such as pain, bleeding, and infection being the most common complications.
As discussions on abortion continue to evolve in the U.S., the data provided by organizations like the CDC and Guttmacher offer essential perspectives on trends, demographics, and health outcomes related to the procedure. Analyzing this data can contribute to informed debates and policy decisions surrounding abortion in the country.