One year following the landmark ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade, abortion providers in states where the procedure remains legal have emerged as vital centers for reproductive care. In anticipation of this decision, we spoke with abortion providers in the Midwest and Mountain West regions, which were left with varying levels of abortion access. Now, on the one-year anniversary of the court’s decision, we revisited these providers to examine the impact. Here is what they shared with us.
In states where abortion remains legal, there has been a significant increase in demand for clinics. Planned Parenthood branches across the country have experienced this surge in patients, as more than a dozen states have implemented strict limits or outright bans on abortion. Adrienne Mansaneres, CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, reported a 50% increase in patients within just one year. Out-of-state visitors, particularly from Texas, now make up more than half of the patients at her branch. The average distance traveled by patients seeking care is 650 miles.
Dr. Colleen McNicholas, chief medical officer at Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri, shared similar experiences. She stated that the abortion infrastructure was already fragile and now faces additional strain with fewer clinics available. Residents from Texas are even moving north to seek care, displacing those who previously relied on local clinics. Jennifer Welch, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois, noted that Illinois has become the number one destination for abortion patients in the country. Patients are traveling from across the U.S., including states as far away as Florida and North Carolina.
Dr. McNicholas oversees a clinic located just across the Illinois-Missouri border, which has seen a significant increase in patients from outside the two states. This clinic has also witnessed a rise in second-trimester abortions due to limited options available. The fragility of the abortion infrastructure is evident, as patients face longer and more intrusive procedures for second-trimester abortions. Alarmingly, there has been an increase in child sexual assault victims traveling to these clinics, highlighting the lack of access and the desperation many face.
Patients who travel across state lines for abortions often experience fear and uncertainty. The prospect of returning to states where abortion is banned is daunting, as they worry about the availability of follow-up care. The supportive and non-judgmental care they receive at these out-of-state clinics contrasts with the harsh conditions they face in their own states. Patients also express frustration at the logistical challenges they must overcome, especially those seeking medication abortion. Many endure long hours of driving for a simple procedure, reflecting the urgent need for accessible care.
Operating in a post-Roe America requires careful planning and adaptation. The increase in patients has led to expanded business hours, clinic space, and staffing. Providers have also implemented changes in the way care is administered, such as offering telehealth options. Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains has invested in advanced technology, including better ultrasound machines, and expanded telehealth to improve access to basic needs like birth control. Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri opened a logistics center to assist patients with travel arrangements and the complexities of abortion funds.
Overall, the experiences of abortion providers in states where abortion remains legal highlight the urgent need for reproductive care and the significant challenges patients face in accessing it. Despite the obstacles, these providers are committed to ensuring that patients receive safe and compassionate care in a time when it is increasingly scarce.
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