Evidence points to the Covid-19 scare contributing to an increase in abortion. The negative economic impact including massive job losses intensified the anxieties faced by pregnant women. Even under normal circumstances health and financial pressures put women at risk for abortion. During the lockdown abortion was considered an ‘essential service.’ A CBS news story noted increased demand for abortion at abortion facilities. An ABC news story noted a 35% increase in requests for assistance for abortion funds. The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration reported a 3.5% increase in abortion for 2020 over 2019 for the timeframe January to June.
The data only suggests a trend and may not actually represent a national increase in abortion rates. What is clear, however, is that choices made out of fear of the unknown often result in poor outcomes.