Guttmacher Co-CEO Destiny Lopez reflects on three years since Roe

Transcript:  Hi, I'm Destiny Lopez, Co-President and CEO of the Guttmacher Institute. Three years ago, the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade with its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization ending the federal right to abortion. Today, 12 states have total abortion bans and many others have severely restricted access.

But anti-abortion politicians aren't stopping there. They're working to block people from traveling across state lines for abortion care and in some cases, even trying to criminalize for pregnancy outcomes like miscarriage. Still, despite these inhumane barriers, people aren't giving up. They're finding ways to get the care they need and deserve.

In 2024, our experts counted more than 1 million clinician-provided abortions in states without total bans, an increase from before Dobbs. One major reason people were still able to get care. Interstate travel for abortion has doubled since 2020. Last year alone, more than 155,000 people crossed state lines for care.

That's a testament to the tireless work of abortion providers, abortion funds and support networks across the country. Medication abortion has also become a vital option in the post-Dobbs era. In 2023, it accounted for up to 2/3 of all abortions in the US it's safe, it's effective, but it's under attack.

The anti-abortion movement is weaponizing the courts and federal agencies and using shoddy science to try to cut off access. Three years after Dobbs, the threats to abortion access aren't just real, they're growing. But we're not backing down. We're inspired every day by the providers, advocates, lawmakers, activists, donors and supporters who continue to fight for reproductive freedom.

Together, we can weather this storm and build a future in which access to abortion care is a reality for all. Stay informed at guttmacher.org