More US women are attempting abortions without medical assistance since the laws changed

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-07-31 01:00

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The proportion of women in the US who have attempted an abortion without medical assistance has increased since the country's Supreme Court overruled federal abortion protections, according to an international study. The researchers conducted a series of online surveys in late 2021-early 2022 and then again in mid 2023, asking women whether they had "ever taken or done something on their own, without medical assistance, to try to end a pregnancy". With just over 7,000 respondents each for the earlier and later surveys, the researchers say 2.4% of women in the earlier survey reported having self-managed an abortion, which rose to 3.3% in the later survey. The researchers say many who shared their stories were from marginalised groups and often used ineffective methods.

Media release

From: JAMA

Self-Managed Abortion Attempts Before vs After Changes in Federal Abortion Protections in the US

About The Study: In this serial nationally representative survey study, increased self-managed abortion (SMA) was observed following the loss of federal abortion protections. The findings revealed increased SMA use among marginalized groups, most often with ineffective methods. These findings suggest the need to expand access to alternative models of safe and effective abortion care and ensure those seeking health care post-SMA do not face legal risks.

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Research JAMA, Web page

Journal/
conference: JAMA Network Open

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: University of California, USA

Funder: This research was funded by an anonymous foundation, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

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