Abortion deserts
Abortion deserts
Abortion restrictions and political climates can make it impossible for clinics to stay open in many parts of the United States. As of 2017, we found there were 27 “abortion deserts” in the country: cities with populations of over 100,000 where people must travel more than 100 miles to reach a clinic. This means people who need abortions may have to consider transportation, child care, time off work, and sometimes the money to stay overnight in a hotel when they seek out care. For a view of where abortion facilities are located, visit our Abortion Facilities Map.
Research & tools
See allFebruary 19, 2023
Out-of-State Travel for Abortion among Texas Residents following an Executive Order Suspending In-State Services during the Coronavirus Pandemic
Sierra G, Berglas NF, Holfer LG, Grossman D, Roberts SCM, Kari White. Out-of-State Travel for Abortion among Texas Residents following an Executive Order Suspending In-State Services during the Coronavirus Pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. February 2023; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043679.
January 9, 2023
Exploring the emotional costs of abortion travel in the United States due to legal restriction
Kimport K, Maryani Palupy Rasidjan, PhD. Exploring the emotional costs of abortion travel in the United States due to legal restriction. Contraception. January 2023; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2023.109956.
November 1, 2022
Estimated Travel Time and Spatial Access to Abortion Facilities in the US Before and After the Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Decision
Rader B, Sehgal NKR, Reis BY, Brownstein JS, Hswen Y. Estimated Travel Time and Spatial Access to Abortion Facilities in the US Before and After the Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Decision. JAMA. November 2022; DOI: 10.1001/jama.2022.20424.