Average Annual Abortions by Race and Method in the US

Using some aggregate data, how many abortions per year are there on average for each race in the US? Separately give me the abortions that are caused by pills. Separate those out similarly.

As of my last update in 2023, the most recent comprehensive data on abortions in the United States is typically collected and reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Guttmacher Institute. However, specific data on abortions by race and the method of abortion (including medication abortions, often referred to as "abortion pills") can vary year by year and may not always be fully detailed in public reports.

Abortions by Race

The CDC's Abortion Surveillance Report provides some insights into the distribution of abortions by race. According to the most recent data available:

• Non-Hispanic White: Approximately 33-35% of abortions.
• Non-Hispanic Black: Approximately 38-40% of abortions.
• Hispanic: Approximately 20-25% of abortions.
• Other Races (including Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, etc.): Approximately 7-10% of abortions.

Abortions by Pills (Medication Abortions)

Medication abortions, which involve the use of drugs like mifepristone and misoprostol, have been increasing in prevalence. According to the Guttmacher Institute, medication abortions accounted for about 54% of all abortions in the United States as of 2020.

Estimated Numbers

To provide a rough estimate, let's assume there are about 600,000 abortions annually in the U.S. (a figure that has been relatively stable in recent years).

Total Abortions by Race (Approximate):

• Non-Hispanic White: 198,000 - 210,000
• Non-Hispanic Black: 228,000 - 240,000
• Hispanic: 120,000 - 150,000
• Other Races: 42,000 - 60,000

Medication Abortions by Race (Approximate):

If 54% of all abortions are medication abortions, we can apply this percentage to the above estimates:

• Non-Hispanic White: 106,920 - 113,400
• Non-Hispanic Black: 123,120 - 129,600
• Hispanic: 64,800 - 81,000
• Other Races: 22,680 - 32,400

Important Considerations

1. Data Variability: These numbers are estimates based on available data and may not capture all nuances.
2. Reporting Differences: Not all states report abortion data to the CDC, and there may be differences in how data is collected and reported.
3. Trends Over Time: The prevalence of medication abortions has been increasing, so more recent data might show a higher percentage of abortions being medication-based.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consulting the latest reports from the CDC and the Guttmacher Institute is recommended.