vary depending on the state in which the abortion is taking place. Generally, out-of-state abortions are more common in states with more restrictive abortion laws, such as those requiring waiting periods, parental or spousal notification, or requiring a physician’s approval before a woman can obtain an abortion.
In states with restrictive laws, women may travel to neighboring states that do not have such restrictions so that they can obtain a legal abortion without having to bear the burden of meeting the state’s criteria. These states may also see an influx of out-of-state patients seeking abortions from short-term providers, such as abortion clinics that offer services for a limited time, or those in states with a limited list of abortion clinics that provide service.
Additionally, some states have enacted laws that require out-of-state women seeking abortions to first receive counseling or remain in the state for a specified period of time after the procedure is complete. This can deter out-of-state patients from seeking abortions at clinics or hospitals in states that require certain other guidelines before abortions can be legally performed.
Finally, out-of-state abortions may also take place in states that allow for telemedicine services, in which patients and providers utilize online technology to communicate and facilitate remote abortions. This type of service is especially attractive to patients who are not able to access an abortion clinic or any other type of healthcare provider in their home state due to its restrictive laws.
