Pew Research: Unpacking Abortion Trends in the US

In a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, public opinion on abortion remains divided. Nearly two years after the Supreme Court’s decision in June 2022 that ended the constitutional right to abortion, here are the key findings:

Public Opinion on Abortion

  • 62% of U.S. adults believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases.

  • 36% think it should be illegal in all or most cases.

Abortion Rates and Trends

  • The U.S. abortion rate has generally declined since the 1980s.

  • However, there have been slight upticks in the late 2010s and early 2020s.

  • In 2020, there were 14.4 abortions per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44.

  • This rate has significantly decreased from 1981 when it was 29.3 abortions per 1,000 women in the same age range.

2021 CDC Report

  • 28.6 abortions per 1,000 non-Hispanic Black women

  • 12.3 abortions per 1,000 Hispanic women

  • 6.4 abortions per 1,000 non-Hispanic White women

  • 9.2 abortions per 1,000 women of other races

  • 57% of U.S. women who had abortions in 2021 were first-timers

  • 39% had no previous live births

  • 24% had a previous live birth

  • 20% had two previous live births

  • 10% had three previous live births

  • 7% had four or more previous live births

Data Sources

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Guttmacher Institute track abortion patterns.

  • The CDC compiles figures voluntarily reported by states’ health agencies, while Guttmacher contacts every known abortion provider in the country.

  • The last reported national totals for abortions were 625,978 in 2021 (CDC) and 930,160 in 2020 (Guttmacher).

This data sheds light on the complex landscape of abortion in the U.S., reflecting both public sentiment and statistical trends. For a deeper dive into the numbers, refer to the original article by the Pew Research Center.

Remember that discussions around abortion are multifaceted and often emotionally charged. It’s essential to approach this topic with empathy and respect for differing viewpoints.

PEW ResearchBritney Achin