Story perspectives

Medication Abortions Surge 21% as Telehealth Mailings Persist

6/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Medication abortions rose to over 1.12 million in 2025, a 21 % increase since 2020.
Telehealth clinics continue mailing abortion pills after the Supreme Court paused a lower-court order, while Planned Parenthood distributes medication for future use.
Shield laws in 22 states protect out-of-state providers, enabling 15,000 monthly abortions despite Texas and Louisiana lawsuits.
Anti-abortion groups invoke the 1873 Comstock Act and suits to block mail-order mifepristone while the FDA reviews safety.

History

Historical Context

In September 2000 the FDA approved mifepristone (Mifeprex) after Roussel-Uclaf gave U.S. rights to the Population Council in 1994, enabling medication abortion. The 2022 Dobbs ruling moved abortion regulation to states, leading Texas and Louisiana to sue out-of-state providers under the 1873 Comstock Act while 22 states passed shield laws that preserve access, a share that was 54% of U.S. abortions in 2020.

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Story summary

Medication abortions rose to over 1.12 million in 2025, a 21 % increase since 2020.
Telehealth clinics continue mailing abortion pills after the Supreme Court paused a lower-court order, while Planned Parenthood distributes medication for future use.
Shield laws in 22 states protect out-of-state providers, enabling 15,000 monthly abortions despite Texas and Louisiana lawsuits.
Anti-abortion groups invoke the 1873 Comstock Act and suits to block mail-order mifepristone while the FDA reviews safety.

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