According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Guttmacher Institute, approximately 73 million induced abortions occur worldwide each year.
This figure is the standard global estimate used by major health organizations. To put this into perspective:
- Daily occurrence: This averages out to roughly 200,000 abortions per day.
- Relationship to pregnancy: About 6 out of 10 (61%) of all unintended pregnancies, and 3 out of 10 (29%) of all pregnancies globally, end in an induced abortion. (Abortion)
Statistics for the United States
In the United States, the estimated number of abortions has recently exceeded one million per year, according to data from major research organizations.
Because the U.S. does not have a federal requirement for reporting abortions, there are two primary sources for these statistics, each using different methods:
The Guttmacher Institute contacts abortion providers directly and includes data from all 50 states. Their most recent data indicates a significant increase in recent years:
- 2024: Estimated 1,142,970 abortions.
- 2023: Estimated 1,032,140 abortions.
- Trend: This represents an 11% increase from 2020 (the last full year before the Dobbs decision).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) compiles reports voluntarily submitted by state health departments. Because several states (including California and New Jersey) do not report their data to the CDC, their totals are always lowe (Kortsmit)r:
- 2022: Reported 613,383 abortions (from 48 reporting areas).
- 2021: Reported 625,978 abortions.
Key Factors in Current Trends
- Medication Abortion: Pills now account for the majority of U.S. abortions. In 2023, medication abortion accounted for approximately 63% of all clinician-provided abortions.
- Telehealth and Shield Laws: A growing percentage of abortions (roughly 20-25% by late 2024) are provided via telehealth. This includes “shield law” provisions where clinicians in protective states mail medication to patients in states with bans.
- Interstate Travel: Travel for abortion care has increased significantly. In 2024, approximately 155,000 people (about 15% of all patients) traveled to another state to obtain a clinician-provided abortion. (#WeCount)
Work Cited
“Abortion.” World Health Organization, 20 Dec. 2023, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/abortion. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
“Guttmacher Institute Releases Full-Year US Abortion Data for 2024.” Guttmacher Institute, 27 Jan. 2025, www.guttmacher.org/news-release/2025/guttmacher-institute-releases-full-year-us-abortion-data-2024. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
Kortsmit, Katherine, et al. “Abortion Surveillance — United States, 2021.” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Surveillance Summaries, vol. 72, no. 9, 24 Nov. 2023, pp. 1–29. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/ss/ss7209a1.htm. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
