In 2021, the United States experienced a 5% increase in abortion rates, marking the last year abortions were constitutionally protected under Roe v. Wade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a total of 625,978 abortions, translating to a rate of 11.6 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15-44. This slight increase from 2020's figures is notable, especially considering the broader context of a decade-long decline in abortion rates since 2012.

The demographic breakdown of these statistics reveals that women in their 20s accounted for over half of the abortions, highlighting a specific age group where abortion rates are concentrated. The report also sheds light on significant racial and ethnic disparities in abortion rates. Black women had the highest rate of abortions, followed by White and Hispanic women. This data points to underlying societal and healthcare inequalities affecting reproductive choices and access.

Most of the abortions in 2021 occurred early in pregnancy, with a majority taking place before 13 weeks' gestation and over half being medication abortions. The CDC's report indicates that these trends are influenced by a variety of factors, including access to healthcare services, availability of abortion providers, state regulations, and broader economic conditions that impact family planning decisions. This comprehensive data provides insight into the complex interplay of factors that drive abortion rates in the United States.