National Network of Abortion Funds’ annual Membership Enrollment Survey shows abortion funds’ capacity continues to expand—but demand outpaces capacity in the years since the Dobbs ruling.
New nationwide data shows a drastic surge in requests and costs for abortion access.
The National Network of Abortion Funds’ 2024 Membership Enrollment Survey (MES) reveals a rapidly widening gap between the demand for abortion support and the capacity for abortion funds to meet the need, even with overall consistent expansion of abortion callers supported each year. Based on responses from 94 member abortion funds across the country—the largest ever survey of this kind—the report shows stark increases in both requests for support and the cost of providing care, driven largely by the tremendous impact of the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling.
The 2024 MES, covering data from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, paints a clear picture: Abortion funds are scaling up at unprecedented rates but are still unable to meet the overwhelming and growing demand for abortion support.
Key findings from the 2024 MES:
- Surge in Abortion Funding Requests Since Dobbs: Since the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision in 2022, abortion funds have seen a dramatic uptick in need. From 2023 to 2024 alone, requests for abortion funding rose by 56%, and the number of callers supported increased by 33%.
- Rising Costs of Access: Abortion funding costs rose by 37%, and practical support expenses (such as travel, lodging, and childcare) increased by 30% over the past year. These increases are primarily driven by growing logistical challenges, as patients are forced to travel farther across state lines due to restrictive abortion laws and outright bans.
- Capacity Grows—But Not Fast Enough: While funds have expanded their operations and supported a record number of callers, the scale of demand is outpacing these efforts. As a result, a lower proportion of callers are able to be supported, despite funds’ best efforts.
As the government continues to restrict people’s bodily autonomy and basic healthcare—which includes abortion access—abortion funds remain steadfast in their tireless commitment to their communities.”
Poonam Dreyfus-Pai, Interim Executive Director at NNAF
“Despite expanding restrictions, bans, and a drying up of funding, abortion funds have still expanded their capacity to greater than ever before. But this data shows us that without increased funding and organizing to expand reproductive healthcare access, the gap in abortion access will continue to grow. Abortion funds deserve deep investment so they can sustainably and holistically support abortion seekers,” Dreyfus-Pai continued.
As abortion bans and restrictions continue to multiply, the need for expanding abortion funding support has never been more urgent. The data is clear: abortion funds are a lifeline—but they need expanding support in this political landscape.
Media Contact:
Olivia Martinez
Deputy Director of Communications
[email protected]
714-600-4463
About the National Network of Abortion Funds
The National Network of Abortion Funds (NNAF) is a network of nearly 100 independent abortion funds. NNAF builds power by supporting member abortion funds by providing grants, leadership development, infrastructure support, and technical assistance. Together, we’re organizing at the crossroads of racial, economic, and Reproductive Justice.