U.S. women are experiencing prolonged waiting times for abortions, adding complexity and risk to the procedures.

Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022, women seeking abortions in the U.S. are facing significant delays due to increased demand and state-level restrictions. Planned Parenthood and other health centers have observed a doubling of out-of-state patients and a subsequent rise in waiting periods for appointments. In states where abortion is banned or restricted, wait times have extended to several weeks, with the longest recorded wait in Iowa at 12 business days. The delays not only force some women to get abortions later in pregnancy, which carries higher costs and risks but also present logistical challenges such as arranging travel, child care, and managing financial burdens.