Abortions Spike in Ohio as Out-of-State Residents Take Advantage of Constitutional Right

Planned Parenthood launches telehealth medication abortion program to expand access

Mar. 4, 2026 at 3:26pm

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Abortions in Ohio jumped 15% in 2025, with 21% of procedures performed on out-of-state residents taking advantage of the state's constitutional right to abortion. The increase is tied to the expansion of telehealth medication abortion options. Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood has launched a statewide telehealth program to further expand access, which could lead to another spike in abortions.

Why it matters

Ohio voters enshrined the right to abortion in the state constitution in 2023, making it a regional hub for those seeking the procedure from surrounding states with more restrictive laws. However, this has led to concerns from state lawmakers who may try to find ways to limit access despite the constitutional guarantee.

The details

The number of abortions in Ohio increased by about 3,300 or 15% in 2025, reaching around 25,000 total. The share of out-of-state residents obtaining abortions in Ohio also jumped from 14% in 2024 to 21% last year. State officials attribute the rise to the expansion of telehealth medication abortion services, which allow doctors to prescribe abortion pills remotely. More than 90% of abortions occurred within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, and women 29 and younger accounted for over half of the procedures. Cuyahoga, Franklin, and Hamilton counties saw the highest numbers.

  • In 2023, Ohio voters enshrined the right to abortion in the state constitution.
  • In 2024, out-of-state residents accounted for 14% of Ohio abortions.
  • In 2025, out-of-state residents accounted for 21% of Ohio abortions, a 50% increase.

The players

Ohio

A state that has enshrined the right to abortion in its constitution, making it a regional hub for those seeking the procedure from surrounding states with more restrictive laws.

Planned Parenthood

A healthcare organization that has launched a statewide telehealth medication abortion program in Ohio to expand access to the procedure.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

The spike in abortions in Ohio, driven by out-of-state residents and expanded telehealth access, highlights the state's role as a regional hub for the procedure following the constitutional guarantee. However, this trend may prompt state lawmakers to seek ways to limit access, setting up potential legal battles over the voters' decision.