Why is the CDC's abortion report delayed?

The CDC's yearly abortion trends report is delayed due to internal changes and staffing issues within the agency.

What do non-government researchers say about US abortion trends?

Non-government researchers, like #WeCount, report an increase in abortions, especially via telehealth, since the Dobbs ruling.

How has telehealth impacted abortion access in the US?

Telehealth now accounts for 27% of all abortions, increasing access for people in states with abortion bans, partly due to new state shield laws.

Home / Health / CDC Abortion Report Delayed Amid Staffing Woes

CDC Abortion Report Delayed Amid Staffing Woes

10 Dec

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Summary

CDC's yearly abortion trends report delayed until spring.
Internal changes and staffing issues cited as reasons for delay.
Non-government researchers show increase in abortions via telehealth.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is facing a significant delay in releasing its annual abortion trends report, now anticipated in spring instead of its usual late November timeframe. The agency attributes this postponement to internal restructuring and critical staffing issues, which have impacted its ability to analyze voluntarily submitted state data.

This year's report was expected to be particularly consequential, offering the first comprehensive federal overview of abortion statistics following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn the nationwide right to abortion. Former CDC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Debra Houry stated that funding and staffing limitations prevented the program's continuation.

Amidst the CDC's delay, non-governmental researchers are actively tracking abortion trends. A recent report highlights an increase in abortions, with medication abortions provided via telehealth now comprising 27% of all procedures. This shift is partly attributed to state shield laws enabling cross-state telehealth prescriptions, demonstrating ongoing access to care despite varied state regulations.