What we know: One year post-Roe

Three women sit in a line, one looking toward the camera with a serious expression.

Much has changed in the year since the overturn of Roe v Wade in June of 2022. The ruling in Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health ended 50 years of federal abortion protections.  

Since then:  

  • 15 states have restricted access to abortion, with 13 states establishing a near-total ban. Oregon remains the most protective state.
  • States where abortion is legal have seen a rise in out-of-state patients needing care. In Oregon, providers have performed anywhere from 100 to 300 more abortions per month. Nationwide, however, the number of safe abortions has declined. 
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of mifepristone, the primary medicine used in medication abortions, was challenged in federal courts. A judge blocked limiting mifepristone’s use, but many expect the case to continue. 
  • The Journal of the American Medical Association found that the average amount of travel time to find care has grown from under 30 minutes to under 100. 
  • Some states have considered bringing forward criminal charges against abortion providers. 
  • The New York Times found that the average cost to obtain abortion care has more than doubled. Less access to care means added travel and child care costs. 

Abortion is health care

“The fallout from the Dobbs decision is huge,” says Maria Rodriguez, M.D., MPH, director of the OHSU Center for Reproductive Health Equity and the Center for Women’s Health. “Restricting access to abortion does real harm to women, and the data is devastating. We are seeing repercussions in Oregon – in the number of people seeking care from out-of-state – and nationwide.” 

In the past year, one thing has not changed: OHSU has remained steadfast in its stance that abortion is health care. OHSU providers, researchers, staff and community members have stepped up to ensure abortion care remains safe and available. 

  • OHSU providers have met the increased demand for abortion care and have expanded telehealth visits. 
  • Shortly after the Supreme Court decision, the OHSU Foundation launched the Abortion Care and Training Fund. The ACT Fund aims to help expand clinical services, generate research and train providers in restrictive states. 
  • Early 2023, OHSU established the Center for Reproductive Health Equity. The Center’s goal is to address disparities in access reproductive health care and to advance services, education and policy research. 

“Abortion is one of the most common procedures in the United States. Many people need it in their lifetime,” says Dr. Rodriguez. “We need to ensure everyone has access to safe abortion care.” 

OHSU leaders shed light

Oregon remains the state with the most protections for abortion, for patients and providers alike. OHSU leaders from the Division of Complex Family Planning has widely shared their perspective on how the Dobbs decisions has affected abortion care to date and their concerns for the years to come: