Medical Abortion in the US: Annual Trends and Statistics

The number of abortions performed due to medical necessity in the United States varies from year to year but generally account for around 1% of all abortions performed. According to the Guttmacher Institute, in 2017, there were an estimated 1.3 million abortions perfomed in the United States, of which approximately 13,000 were due to medical necessity, equivalent to 1% of all abortions that year.

Medical necessity refers to situations wherein the pregnancy poses a serious risk to the health or even the life of the pregnant individual, or in cases where the fetus has severe abnormalities or life-limiting conditions that would make survival outside the womb impossible or extremely challenging. Abortions due to medical necessity are often performed to safeguard the pregnant person's health, prevent serious harm, or alleviate life-threatening conditions that arise during pregnancy.

It is essential to note that data regarding abortion statistics, including those related to medical necessity, can vary based on reporting methods, definitions, and data collection practices. Consequently, estimates may differ among various sources and organizations. If you require the most up-to-date and precise figures, consult reliable sources such as the Guttmacher Institute or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the latest information on abortion statistics in the United States.