Increase in Texans Seeking Abortions Out-of-State

Austin – The number of Texans seeking abortions in other states significantly increased between 2021 and 2023 following the introduction of new state laws.

Data from the Texas Health and Human Services Board reveals that at least 7,844 Texans obtained abortions outside the state in 2023. This shows a dramatic rise from 4,718 in 2022 and 1,712 in 2021. Despite this uptick in out-of-state procedures, the overall number of abortions performed on Texas residents has plummeted by 85% compared to 2021.

In 2023, only 62 reported abortions occurred within Texas, primarily due to medical emergencies or health concerns for the mother. Figures from HHSC indicate that there were 76 abortions performed in the state in 2024.

Texas gathers data from other states via a public health reporting system called the National Public Health Statistics and Information Systems. However, according to an HHSC representative, reporting abortions is voluntary, and not every state shares its data. Therefore, the true number may be even higher than the indicated 7,844 in 2023.

Interestingly, the Guttmacher Institute, a nonprofit organization focused on abortion access, estimates that the number is closer to 35,000. They project that about 14,230 Texas women went to New Mexico for an abortion in 2023, while others traveled to states like Kansas (6,620), Colorado (4,440), and California (3,310). Approximately 6,300 women traveled to various other states.

In 2022, Kansas alone reported that nearly 3,000 Texans had abortions there, indicating a staggering increase of 1,178% from the mere 233 procedures carried out among Texas residents in 2021. Kansas has yet to release its data for 2023.

The HHSC does not keep track of individuals traveling internationally for abortion services.

The Supreme Court’s decision on June 24, 2022, which overturned Roe v. Wade, effectively eliminated nearly 50 years of constitutional abortion rights. This ruling empowered individual states to impose restrictions or bans on the procedure.

In August 2022, Texas implemented a “trigger law,” prohibiting most abortions in the state. Similar bans are in effect in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, compelling Texas women to seek abortion services in states like Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico.