The number of individuals traveling from their home states to Massachusetts for abortion care increased by more than 37% following the reversal of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court, according to an analysis conducted by researchers at Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital. The study, which can be found here, provides insight into the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization in 2022, which led to the banning of abortion in over a dozen states and strict restrictions in others. The geographic concentration of these bans has created barriers to access, even for individuals traveling across state lines.
The study aimed to understand the number of out-of-state travelers seeking abortion care in Massachusetts and how they covered the cost of care. Co-author Elizabeth Janiak, a researcher and assistant professor at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, stated in a news release that the hospital’s affiliation with Harvard University provided a strong basis for the research.
To determine trends prior to the reversal of Roe v. Wade, the researchers analyzed over 45,000 abortion care records from the four years leading up to the decision. This data allowed them to estimate the expected number of abortions after Dobbs v. Jackson and compare it to the data collected in the four months following the reversal. The analysis revealed a 6.2% overall increase in the number of abortions, but a significant 37.5% increase in the number of out-of-state residents traveling to Massachusetts for care, resulting in approximately 45 additional abortions. This increase in out-of-state travelers included individuals from states as far as Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Georgia.
The study also identified an increase in the utilization of abortion funding by out-of-state residents, provided by non-profit organizations and charities dedicated to reducing the financial burden of abortion care. This increase in funding recipients rose from 8% to 18% among out-of-state residents and 2% to 3% among in-state residents. The researchers attributed this rise to the higher costs associated with interstate travel, as neighboring states to Massachusetts currently do not have abortion bans.
Janiak emphasized the importance of monitoring abortion access trends and the needs of interstate travelers across the country. She highlighted the commitment of states like Massachusetts to ensuring abortion access and encouraged other states to adopt similar approaches based on the findings of this study.
This study sheds light on the impact of the reversal of Roe v. Wade and the subsequent increase in out-of-state travelers seeking abortion care in Massachusetts. The findings highlight the need for continued support and access to abortion services, particularly for individuals facing restrictive laws in their home states.
Kerry Breen is a news editor and reporter for CBS News, specializing in current events, breaking news, and substance use.
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