KFF Survey: More Than Half of Women in Abortion-Ban States Lack Info

More than half of reproductive-age women living in states with abortion-provision bans now report they would not know where to go or where to find information if they needed an abortion, according to a survey published by kff.org. The figure marks a notable increase from 43% recorded in 2024.

Key Clinical Takeaways:
• 53% of women in states with abortion bans lack knowledge of where to seek care, up from 43% in 2024.
• Only 8% of women in states with bans know that people in their state can obtain medication abortion pills online.
• 12% of reproductive-age women nationally report knowing someone who faced difficulty accessing an abortion due to state restrictions, compared to 8% in 2024.

The findings from the 2026 KFF Women’s Health Survey—fielded from March 11 to April 14, 2026, among a nationally representative sample of 3,538 women ages 18 to 49—highlight a widening information gap four years after the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade.

Rising Information Gaps Across Restricted and Unrestricted States

The survey data show that informational deficits extend beyond total ban states. Four in 10 women, or 40%, living in states with gestational limits set between 6 and 12 weeks stated they would not know where to go for care. Nationally, 1 in 3 reproductive-age women reported the same lack of knowledge, rising from 1 in 4, or 26%, in 2024.

At the same time, medication abortion via telehealth has altered how patients secure abortion care. While two-thirds of reproductive-age women have heard of medication abortion pills, just 18% understand that individuals in their state can access them online. That figure drops to 8% among women residing specifically in states with abortion-provision bans. Most women, accounting for 71% of respondents, remain unsure how to obtain the pills or have never heard of medication abortion, while 11% incorrectly believe people in their state cannot get the medication online.

State Restrictions Create Hurdles for Abortion Access

Direct encounters with state-level restrictions have also become more common. The survey indicates that 1 in 8 reproductive-age women personally know someone, including themselves, who experienced difficulty obtaining an abortion due to local restrictions. That statistic represents an increase from 8% in 2024. Traveling across state lines, lacking information on destinations, and facing insufficient funds to cover costs emerged as the most frequent hurdles.

Beyond immediate access challenges, the survey captured broader apprehensions regarding maternal health. A majority of respondents, at 59%, expressed concern that abortion-provision bans might compromise the safety of a future pregnancy for themselves or someone close to them. Majorities holding this concern appeared across most demographic groups, with the exception of Republican and rural women.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.