Washington, D.C. – A recent survey from the Pew Research Center sheds light on American views regarding the legality of abortion post the Supreme Court’s decision in June 2022. The survey revealed that 62% of U.S. adults believe that abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while 36% think it should be illegal in all or most cases. Interestingly, another survey conducted before the Supreme Court decision showed that a minority of Americans hold absolutist views on abortion.

The Pew Research Center has been conducting surveys on abortion for several years, providing valuable insights into Americans’ perspectives on this contentious issue. These surveys offer a comprehensive look at public opinion surrounding abortion legality and other related questions.

When discussing the number of annual abortions in the U.S., data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Guttmacher Institute differ slightly due to variations in data collection methods. The CDC reported 625,978 abortions in 2021, while Guttmacher reported 930,160 abortions in 2020, revealing differences in tracking and reporting practices between the two sources.

Both the CDC and Guttmacher highlight the prevalence of medication abortions, which have increased over the years since the Food and Drug Administration approved abortion pills in 2000. The data shows a rising trend in medication abortions, with a majority of abortions now involving the use of pills.

In terms of demographic trends, the majority of women obtaining abortions in the U.S. are in their 20s, unmarried, and have never given birth. Additionally, there are notable racial disparities, with non-Hispanic Black women comprising a significant portion of abortion recipients. The data also reveals a decline in abortion rates among women over the years, with fluctuations observed in recent time periods.

Most abortions in the U.S. occur during the first trimester of pregnancy, with 93% of procedures taking place at or before 13 weeks of gestation in 2021. Data also shows a low incidence of medical complications from abortions, with only about 2% of procedures resulting in some form of complication for the woman.

Overall, the data on abortion in the U.S. provides valuable insights into public opinion, trends, and demographic patterns surrounding this complex and controversial issue. Through ongoing surveys and data collection efforts, organizations like the Pew Research Center aim to contribute to informed discussions and decision-making on abortion-related policies and practices.