Abortion Clinic Access in the United States and the Rise of Virtual Services

Abortion access in the U.S. has been vanishing at the fastest annual pace on record, propelled by Republican state lawmakers’ push to legislate the industry out of existence. Since 2011, at least 162 abortion providers have shut or stopped offering the procedure, while just 21 opened. At no time since before 1973, when the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion, has a woman’s ability to terminate a pregnancy been more dependent on her zip code or financial resources to travel. The drop-off in providers—more than one every two weeks—occurred in 35 states, in both small towns and big cities that are home to more than 30 million women of reproductive age.

The Impact of Legislative Restrictions

Legislative changes have placed many facilities in jeopardy. A proposed state law requiring all abortion clinics to be licensed as ambulatory surgery centers could force 37 of Texas’ 42 abortion clinics to close or make costly renovations to meet standards. The Houston Women’s Clinic is one of the few remaining abortion providers in the Greater Houston Area. It is a small red-brick building that almost resembles a house, with a wall encasing its cramped parking lot, complete with a fence that rolls out to secure the property once everyone goes home. The clinic is always busy like this, even worse on weekends, and while the rain has pushed away the protesters, they’re usually here too, right at the gate.

Clinic Access Support and Local Providers

In the fight for abortion clinic access, a Houston nonprofit offers a helping hand—and a passenger seat. For women in need, the Clinic Access Support Network can be everything. A ride may seem a small thing, but it is vital for those navigating these hurdles. The following locations continue to offer dedicated care:

• Whole Woman's Health of Minnesota: 8053 E Bloomington Fwy Suite #450, Bloomington MN 55420
• Whole Woman's Health of New Mexico: 718 Lomas Boulevard Northwest, Albuquerque NM 87102
• Whole Woman's Health of Charlottesville: 2321 Commonwealth Drive, Charlottesville VA 22901
• Whole Woman's Health of Alexandria: 2839 Duke St. Alexandria VA 22314
• Whole Woman's Health of Baltimore: 7648 Belair Road, Baltimore MD 21236

The Shift to Virtual Services and Pills by Mail

Are you unable to receive the abortion care you want or need in your state due to abortion bans and restrictions? Whole Woman's Health can help. Virtual Services now include abortion pills by mail, which are prescribed online, delivered to you, and taken at home. These services feature the following:

• Extended Care: Now offered to 12 weeks, in 10 states, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
• Private Portal: 24/7 Asynchronous Care – chat with real staff and doctors via private patient portal.
• Financial Assistance: We accept Insurance and Medicaid for pills by mail in select states and offer financial aid for self-pay patients.
• Availability: Now open in California, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, and Virginia.

Provider Access Statistics and Data

The following data highlights the current state of clinic availability across the nation:

• Total providers closed or stopped since 2011: At least 162
• Total providers opened since 2011: 21
• Population affected: Over 30 million women of reproductive age
• State impact: Closures recorded in 35 states
• Medical Note: A trained medical professional is the only way to accurately determine the length of your pregnancy and what options are available.