By the Numbers

Reasons Given for Abortions(1)

A bar graph showing the percentage of reasons for abortion, with a large majority of 95.9% citing elective and unspecified reasons, and smaller percentages for other physical health concerns, inborn abnormalities, rape and incest, and risk to the woman.

Are Abortions Coerced?

People assume that women freely choose abortion and that they are satisfied that it was the best decision for themselves. However, more and more peer-reviewed studies are being published which show that this is not the case. One recent study found that:

  • Only 1/3 of abortions are “wanted.”

  • 1 in 4 women describe their abortion as “unwanted” or “coerced.”

  • 43% described their abortion as “accepted” but “inconsistent with their values and preferences.”

  • 60% said their preference would have been to give birth, if they had received more emotional support or had greater financial security.(4)

A COVID-19 data infographic from the CDC for 2021, showing gestational age of abortions, age distribution of women having abortions, and ethnicity distribution of women having abortions, in a teal background with white text.
Text on a dark blue background discussing abortion laws and statistics in the United States and other countries.
A teal-colored sign with white text that states, 'No one has the right to force, coerce, or unduly pressure a woman to abort. Scan the QR code for more information or if you or someone you know needs help.' The right side of the sign features a black and white QR code.