A look at the reasons why Planned Parenthood wait times increased
Singling out clinics in the north for longer wait times is an unfair criticism in light of the increased demand caused by abortion bans.
New research published in JAMA Open Network shows the results of abortion visits at facilities in Colorado. The percentage of abortions provided in Colorado to out-of-state residents increased from 13% in 2020 to 30% in 2023. Much of it had to do with Texas’ implementation of Texas SB8, which bans abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected.
“This aligns with reports from area clinicians who experienced dramatic increases in patient demand after SB8, also reported by the media, resulting in delayed appointments for everyone,” the study said.
The other aspect that is worth noting is that because wait times are longer, women are having abortions later in pregnancy. Some states have time constraints on when they can get the procedure. So, the wait times may push them past the point when abortion is allowed, even in states where it’s permitted at most times in pregnancy.
This reinforces research from the Guttmacher Institute, which published a study that showed the proportion of patients traveling to other states to obtain abortion care had doubled in recent years, reaching nearly one in five in the first half of 2023, compared with one in 10 in 2020.* This surge in travel has primarily been driven by post–Roe v. Wade abortion bans and restrictions.
“Providers and support networks across the country have made heroic efforts to meet the needs of the growing numbers of people traveling for abortion,” the report said. “However, it will be an ongoing challenge for clinics and support networks to extend their capacity to meet this need.”
People need to remember that wait times at reproductive healthcare providers have increased as a result of fewer clinics, a smaller workforce, and increased demand on the facilities that remain.