Abortion pills are increasingly used in states with bans, prompting new restrictions
States that already prohibit abortion are moving to tighten restrictions on abortion pills, according to a survey released Tuesday. It indicates that in 2025, more women in states with bans accessed pills through telehealth than by traveling to states where abortion remains legal, the Guttmacher Institute reported.
Most states with broad bans have enacted restrictions since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. So far this year, only one state has imposed a new ban. Lawmakers are also working to make it harder to obtain abortion pills, with South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden signing a bill last week that criminalizes advertising, distributing, or selling the pills.
Several states, including Florida, Oklahoma, and Texas, already have laws banning providers from mailing abortion pills to patients, Guttmacher said. Louisiana has classified mifepristone as a controlled dangerous substance. Bills aimed at restricting access have passed one legislative chamber in Arizona, Indiana, and South Carolina. In Arizona, Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs could veto any restrictions passed.
The survey also highlights a shift in abortion access. It suggests that in 2025, more women in the 13 states with total bans obtained pills via telehealth prescriptions than traveled out of state for abortions. These prescriptions often involve two drugs — mifepristone and misoprostol — approved for use within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Legal battles are ongoing over federal rules permitting telehealth prescriptions of mifepristone. Several states, including Louisiana, Florida, and Texas, have filed lawsuits challenging these regulations, aiming to require in-person prescriptions. Meanwhile, Texas and Louisiana have filed cases against providers accused of sending pills into their states.
Wyoming is the only state to have enacted a new abortion ban in 2023. Signed into law in March by Republican Gov. Mark Gordon, it bans abortion around six weeks of pregnancy, before many women realize they are pregnant. However, previous efforts to restrict abortion have faced legal challenges, and the Wyoming Supreme Court struck down a complete ban earlier this year.
Legislation proposing criminal charges against women who seek abortions has gained little traction. While some bills have been introduced, none have advanced significantly. Advocacy groups report a decline in proposals for “abortion-as-homicide” measures, from 13 states last year to six this year. Major anti-abortion groups oppose criminalizing women, emphasizing support and compassion instead.
In Georgia, a woman was charged with murder after allegedly using an abortion pill and oxycodone, illustrating ongoing legal risks for pregnant individuals. Voters in at least three states will decide on abortion-related measures in November. Missouri seeks to repeal reproductive rights enshrined in its constitution, while Nevada and Virginia are considering amendments related to abortion access and reproductive freedom.
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