USC Schaeffer Center, June 24, 2022
The recent Supreme Court ruling striking down Roe v. Wade will likely result in 26 states implementing laws that restrict or ban access to abortion services. In many of these states, the legislation is so sweeping, it will also impact emergency contraceptives like Plan-B—also known as the “morning after” pill– and possibly prescription birth control.
As a result, states with laws protecting abortion and contraceptive access like California can expect an increase in demand as individuals cross state lines to obtain this care. One estimate from the Guttmacher Institute predicts people seeking abortion services or contraceptives in California will increase by 3000%– from 46,000 to 1.4 million people annually. Data from Google trends showed national interest for “buy Plan B online” jumped 160% following the leaked draft ruling from the Supreme Court.
States dedicated to ensuring women receive the care they need should fix existing gaps in contraceptive access.