Arkansas' "Zero Abortions" Claim Challenged by New Study

A recent study from the Society of Family Planning brings into question Arkansas' official report stating that no abortions were performed in the state in 2023. While the Arkansas Department of Health reported zero abortions, the study reveals that many Arkansas residents sought abortions outside the state or obtained abortion medication through telemedicine providers operating under shield laws.

The study compares abortion rates from two six-month periods—one in 2020 and another in 2023. In 2020, approximately 2,220 Arkansas residents obtained abortions, with 1,425 occurring in-state and 795 out-of-state. By 2023, an estimated 1,280 residents traveled out of state for an abortion, while 970 obtained abortion medications remotely. This suggests that despite the state's near-total abortion ban, the number of abortions among Arkansas residents has remained relatively stable.

The findings underscore the persistent reality of abortion despite the Dobbs decision, and reveal the continued efforts to bypass legal protections for the unborn. The study does not account for abortions obtained outside official clinical channels, meaning the actual numbers could be even higher.

 The tragic reality is, despite our state’s protections for unborn life, abortion continues to be a heartbreaking choice for many women in Arkansas. Each lost life is a reminder of the urgent need to provide compassionate, life-affirming alternatives that empower women to choose hope over despair. Your generosity allows us to offer real solutions—practical support, counseling, and resources—that make abortion unnecessary. With your help, we can stand in the gap, ensuring that more women find the strength and assistance they need to embrace life.

_{Read the full article here: Zero abortions for Arkansas? A new study says there were thousands last year. - Arkansas Times}

_{Sources used in this article include: https://arktimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/WeCount-Report-8-June-2024-data.pdf}