Three years after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the effects on abortion access and reproductive healthcare are significant and ongoing. The decision allowed states to set their own abortion laws, leading to bans and restrictions in more than a dozen states. At the same time, states where abortion remains legal have seen increases in demand, clinic wait times, and telehealth services.
Despite increased restrictions, the overall number of abortions in the U.S. rose after Dobbs. According to new data, about 1.1 million abortions were provided in 2023. Much of the increase came from states that expanded access, as well as from the growth of medication abortion by mail and telehealth. In states with bans, many patients are now traveling long distances or relying on providers in other states to access care
The increase in out-of-state travel and telehealth does not mean access is equal. According to the Guttmacher Institute, many clinics that previously offered comprehensive reproductive healthcare have closed, including some in states where abortion is still legal. These closures have reduced access to services like birth control, STI testing, and cancer screenings, especially for low-income patients and those in rural areas.
There are also ongoing effects on healthcare providers. Medical students and OB-GYN residents in states with abortion bans have fewer training opportunities, and many providers are unsure about what care they can legally offer in emergencies. A 2025 survey of clinicians found that fear of legal consequences has delayed treatment in cases involving miscarriage and other pregnancy-related complications.
The political impact of Dobbs remains visible. Public support for legal abortion remains high, and abortion policy was a central issue in the 2024 election. Lawmakers in protective states have passed legislation to safeguard access, while those in states with bans are pushing for more restrictions. Some lawmakers are now distancing themselves from the decision, as polling shows it is unpopular with many voters.
In the longer term, experts warn that the legal reasoning behind Dobbs could be used to challenge other rights related to privacy and bodily autonomy. Some anti-abortion groups have signaled interest in limiting access to contraception, in vitro fertilization, and gender-affirming care. Ongoing lawsuits may also determine how states treat cross-border abortion care and whether they can prosecute providers or patients who travel for services.
Guttmacher researchers have described the consequences of Dobbs as widespread and ongoing. In a 2024 report, they concluded that the decision is contributing to clinic closures, reduced access to care, and worsening health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations
As these changes continue to unfold, the future of reproductive healthcare in the U.S. will likely depend on state-level policymaking, court rulings, and federal elections. For now, access to abortion and related services remains deeply uneven, shaped by geography, income, and legal uncertainty.