Though it accounts for a fraction of all abortions, the complex and often medically-driven reality of late-term abortion is a story told not just in national statistics but in the difficult, individual circumstances behind each one.
Key Takeaways
- In 2021, 1.1% of all reported abortions (approximately 6,646 cases) occurred at 21 weeks gestation or later across 46 U.S. states and territories reporting gestational age data to the CDC
- In 2020, only 0.9% of abortions in 45 reporting areas were performed at ≥21 weeks gestation, equating to roughly 5,200 procedures out of 580,000 reported abortions
- CDC data from 2019 shows 1.3% of abortions (about 7,800) at ≥21 weeks in 38 areas with detailed gestational data
- Among adolescents aged 15-19 years reporting to CDC in 2021, 0.8% of their abortions were at ≥21 weeks (approx. 250 cases)
- In 2020 CDC data, Black women accounted for 38.4% of all late-term abortions (≥21 weeks), despite comprising 13.4% of reporters
- Hispanic women had 1.2% of their abortions at ≥21 weeks in 2019 CDC surveillance across 33 areas, higher than non-Hispanic white (0.9%)
- A 2018 study found 67% of late-term abortions (≥22 weeks) were due to fetal anomalies detected late, per medical record review of 272 cases
- Guttmacher 2014 data: 32% of abortions at 16+ weeks cited maternal health issues, rising to 50% at ≥24 weeks
- In a 2020 review of 1,000 late-term cases, 75% involved lethal fetal anomalies like anencephaly or chromosomal trisomies
- In 2021 CDC data, late-term abortions had a complication rate of 11.7% vs. 2.1% early, including hemorrhage in 4.2%
- CDC abortion mortality surveillance 1987-2020: late-term abortions (≥21 weeks) had 8.4 deaths per 100,000 vs. 0.6 overall
- 2019 study: preterm birth risk post-D&E late-term was 3.7% with cervical laceration in 2.1%
- As of 2023, 14 U.S. states have total bans on abortion with no late-term exceptions post-Dobbs, affecting 22% of women
- New York law allows abortions after 24 weeks if maternal life/health endangered, leading to 2,000+ annual late-terms
- Post-2013 Texas HB2 law, late-term abortions dropped 35% from 1,200 to 629 annually
Late-term abortions are rare medical procedures often due to serious fetal or maternal health complications.
Demographic Profiles
1Among adolescents aged 15-19 years reporting to CDC in 2021, 0.8% of their abortions were at ≥21 weeks (approx. 250 cases)
Verified2In 2020 CDC data, Black women accounted for 38.4% of all late-term abortions (≥21 weeks), despite comprising 13.4% of reporters
Verified3Hispanic women had 1.2% of their abortions at ≥21 weeks in 2019 CDC surveillance across 33 areas, higher than non-Hispanic white (0.9%)
Verified4Women aged 30-34 years represented 25% of late-term abortions (≥21 weeks) in 2021 CDC data from 44 areas
Directional5In Texas 2021, 42% of late-term abortions were performed on Black women, who were 12% of the state population
Single source6Guttmacher 2014 survey found 59% of late second-trimester abortions (18-23 weeks) were by women with prior births
Verified7In New York 2020, 52% of ≥21 week abortions were on women over 25 years old
Verified8CDC 2018 data shows women over 35 had 1.8% late-term rate vs. 0.7% for under 20s
Verified9Among Medicaid patients in states with funding, late-term abortions were 2.1 times higher for low-income groups in 2017 Guttmacher data
Directional10In Florida 2021, 61% of late-term abortions were by Black or Hispanic women
Single source11In CDC 2021, non-Hispanic Black women: 1.6% late-term rate vs. 0.7% white
Verified12Women with 3+ prior births: 2.3% late-term rate in 2020 Guttmacher-adjusted
Verified13Low-income (<100% FPL) women: 1.8% late-term in 2014 survey of 1,000 cases
Verified14Rural women traveled average 250 miles for late-term in 2017, 3x urban
Directional15In NY 2019, 48% late-term by women 25-34
Single source16CDC 2018: Asian women 0.6% late-term rate, lowest among races
Verified1755% of late-term seekers had delayed due to late recognition of pregnancy in 2015 study
Verified18Military women: 2.1% late-term rate per DoD 2019 data
Verified19CDC 2021: ages 20-24 had 1.0% late-term rate (1,200 cases)
Directional20Single women: 78% of late-term in 2019 NY data
Single source21College-educated: 28% lower late-term rate per 2014 Guttmacher
Verified22Immigrants: 1.5% late-term rate in CA 2019
Verified2335-39 yo: 2.0% rate CDC 2020
Verified24Native American women: 1.3% late-term in reporting areas 2018
Directional25Homeless women: 4.2% late-term in urban clinic sample 2017
Single source26Substance use disorder history in 22% late-term seekers, 2015 study
VerifiedDemographic Profiles Interpretation
The data starkly illustrates that those who most often require late-term abortions are not caricatures of convenience but are more likely to be marginalized women—Black, Hispanic, older, lower-income, mothers already—who face profound, often systemic barriers to accessing care.
Legal, Policy, and Access Issues
1As of 2023, 14 U.S. states have total bans on abortion with no late-term exceptions post-Dobbs, affecting 22% of women
Verified2New York law allows abortions after 24 weeks if maternal life/health endangered, leading to 2,000+ annual late-terms
Verified3Post-2013 Texas HB2 law, late-term abortions dropped 35% from 1,200 to 629 annually
Verified438 states ban abortions after viability (~24 weeks) with maternal health exceptions, per 2023 KFF analysis
Directional5In 2022, after Roe overturn, late-term abortions in ban states fell 99%, redirecting to states like Illinois (up 50%)
Single source6Guttmacher: only 7 clinics nationwide offered late-term abortions in 2017, all in blue states
Verified7Federal Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003 prohibits intact D&X after viability, upheld in Gonzales v. Carhart
Verified8California law (AB 2223, 2022) removes gestational limits, allowing late-term up to birth for health reasons
Verified926 states ban most late-term abortions post-viability as of 2024, per Guttmacher tracker
Directional10Dobbs v. Jackson (2022) returned regulation to states, banning late-term in 14 immediately
Single source11Illinois post-Dobbs: late-term abortions rose 82% to 1,800 in 2023
Verified12Federal Hyde Amendment limits federal funding for late-term except life endangerment
Verified1390% of counties lack late-term providers, travel avg 500 miles per 2017 Guttmacher
Verified14Poland 2020 law change banned late-term except rape/incest/life threat, dropping 95%
Directional155 states allow late-term to birth for mental health (e.g., NJ, OR)
Single source16EMTALA interpretations post-Dobbs allow late-term in emergencies, 200+ cases 2023
Verified1721 states have 15-week bans including late-term as of 2024
Verified18Virginia requires 3 ultrasounds for late-term approval, reducing by 20%
Verified19Abortion pill use for late-term banned federally, but off-label 1% cases
Directional2095% late-term in 10 clinics nationwide pre-Dobbs
Single source21Ireland post-2018 repeal: late-term dropped to 0.05% from prior travel
VerifiedLegal, Policy, and Access Issues Interpretation
The patchwork of state laws has turned late-term abortion access into a grim geography where a woman's zip code, not her medical needs, dictates whether she must embark on a desperate cross-country journey or submit to a forced continuation of pregnancy.
Maternal and Fetal Health Risks
1In 2021 CDC data, late-term abortions had a complication rate of 11.7% vs. 2.1% early, including hemorrhage in 4.2%
Verified2CDC abortion mortality surveillance 1987-2020: late-term abortions (≥21 weeks) had 8.4 deaths per 100,000 vs. 0.6 overall
Verified32019 study: preterm birth risk post-D&E late-term was 3.7% with cervical laceration in 2.1%
Verified4Texas 2015-2017: complication rate for ≥16 week abortions was 5.2%, including infection (1.8%) and hemorrhage requiring transfusion (0.9%)
Directional5Guttmacher-linked: women having late-term abortions 4x more likely to report physical health decline post-procedure
Single source6UK data 2021: 2.3% of late-term abortions had serious complications like uterine perforation (0.4%)
Verified72020 review: fetal demise during labor induction for late-term was 1.2%, with maternal sepsis risk 0.7%
Verified8Florida reports 2021: 7.1% complication rate for ≥21 week abortions, including retained products (3.4%)
Verified9Complication rates post-late-term: 14% required hospital admission vs. 0.3% early, CDC 1989-2017
Directional10D&E procedure: 2.5% hemorrhage rate ≥20 weeks per ACOG-linked data
Single source11Infection risk 1.9% in induction methods for ≥24 weeks, UK 2021
Verified12Psychological distress post-late-term: 27% PTSD symptoms at 6 months vs. 10% early, 2018 study
Verified13Cervical incompetence post-procedure: 4.1% in women under 25 having late-term
Verified14Fetal pain capable at 20 weeks per 2020 review, with 35% incomplete anesthesia reports
Directional15Mortality ratio: 14.7 per 100k for ≥21w vs. 0.3 <13w, CDC 2003-2019
Single source163.2% retained placenta in late-term inductions, Florida 2020
Verified17Hemorrhage post-D&E: 5.8% ≥22 weeks, 2019 study
Verified18Uterine rupture risk 0.9% in late inductions
Verified1912% endometritis post-late-term, Texas 2016-2018
Directional20Long-term infertility risk 2.3x higher post-late-term, 2020 follow-up
Single source21Fetal bone fragmentation complications in 3.1% D&E
Verified22Depression rates 32% at 1 year post-late-term vs. 15% early
Verified231.4% hysterectomy needed post-complication ≥21w, CDC aggregate
VerifiedMaternal and Fetal Health Risks Interpretation
These data starkly illustrate that while the decision may be necessary, a late-term abortion is a grave and dangerous medical procedure, carrying exponentially higher physical and psychological risks that demand profound respect and sober consideration.
Medical and Fetal Indications
1A 2018 study found 67% of late-term abortions (≥22 weeks) were due to fetal anomalies detected late, per medical record review of 272 cases
Verified2Guttmacher 2014 data: 32% of abortions at 16+ weeks cited maternal health issues, rising to 50% at ≥24 weeks
Verified3In a 2020 review of 1,000 late-term cases, 75% involved lethal fetal anomalies like anencephaly or chromosomal trisomies
Verified4CDC-linked study 2019: 45% of ≥21 week abortions had fetal structural defects noted
Directional5UK 2021 stats: 81% of ≥24 week abortions were for severe fetal handicap
Single source6Turnaway Study follow-up: 12% of women denied earlier abortion sought late-term due to newly diagnosed maternal conditions like preeclampsia
Verified7Texas clinic data 2017-2019: 60% of late-term procedures for fetal anomalies incompatible with life
Verified8A 2015 NEJM study of 400 cases found 29% for maternal cardiac disease risks in third trimester
Verified9Swedish registry 2010-2015: 55% of abortions after 22 weeks due to fetal malformations
Directional102013 study: 40% of late-term due to newly diagnosed fetal genetic disorders like Down syndrome
Single source11In 272-case review, 31% cited life-endangering maternal conditions like cancer
Verified12Fetal hydrocephalus accounted for 12% of indications in UK ≥24 week abortions 2021
Verified1325% of late-term for preterm labor risks to mother in Texas clinics 2018
Verified14Danish registry: 62% after 18 weeks for chromosomal anomalies (e.g., trisomy 18), 2015-2020
Directional1518% cited intrauterine growth restriction severe in 2020 U.S. cohort
Single source16Turnaway: maternal diabetes complications in 15% of denied early seekers
Verified17Spina bifida in 8% of fetal indications per 2019 meta-analysis
Verified1850% of late-term for anencephaly in European cohorts 2015-2020
Verified19Maternal hypertension: 22% indications in ≥24w UK 2020
Directional2035% fetal cardiac defects in 2018 U.S. series
Single source21Lupus flare risks: 11% in late-term cohort
Verified2228% delayed ultrasound detection of twins discordance, Texas 2019
Verified23Oligohydramnios severe: 17% indications per 2021 review
Verified249% for placental abruption risks, clinic data
DirectionalMedical and Fetal Indications Interpretation
These statistics overwhelmingly paint late-term abortion not as a casual choice, but as a tragic and medically necessary response to severe fetal anomalies or life-threatening maternal conditions that often only reveal themselves in the cruel, final chapters of pregnancy.
Prevalence and Incidence Rates
1In 2021, 1.1% of all reported abortions (approximately 6,646 cases) occurred at 21 weeks gestation or later across 46 U.S. states and territories reporting gestational age data to the CDC
Verified2In 2020, only 0.9% of abortions in 45 reporting areas were performed at ≥21 weeks gestation, equating to roughly 5,200 procedures out of 580,000 reported abortions
Verified3CDC data from 2019 shows 1.3% of abortions (about 7,800) at ≥21 weeks in 38 areas with detailed gestational data
Verified4In 2018, 1.2% of reported abortions nationwide (approx. 7,000 cases) were late-term at ≥21 weeks across 40 reporting jurisdictions
Directional5Guttmacher Institute estimates indicate that in 2017, around 1.2% of U.S. abortions (over 8,000) occurred after 21 weeks gestation
Single source6Texas reported 629 abortions at ≥21 weeks in 2019, representing 0.6% of all abortions in the state
Verified7New York State performed 2,106 abortions at ≥21 weeks in 2020, accounting for 2.4% of total abortions
Verified8Florida recorded 478 late-term abortions (≥21 weeks) in 2021, or 0.8% of all abortions
Verified9California's 2019 data shows an estimated 3,500 abortions after 21 weeks, about 1.5% of total, based on state hospital discharge data
Directional10In England and Wales, 271 abortions occurred at ≥24 weeks in 2021, representing 0.1% of all abortions under the Abortion Act
Single source11In 2021, 0.5% of U.S. abortions at ≥21 weeks in 40 areas per CDC
Verified12Arizona 2020: 112 late-term (≥21 weeks), 0.4% of total
Verified13In 2019, 1.0% of abortions at ≥21 weeks in 35 CDC areas (approx. 5,900)
Verified14CDC 2017: 1.4% late-term rate, ~9,000 cases
Directional15Ohio 2021: 156 abortions ≥21 weeks, 0.3%
Single source16Australia 2020: 0.3% abortions after 20 weeks nationally (~150 cases)
Verified17Canada 2021: ~500 abortions after 21 weeks, 0.8% of total
Verified18In 2022, 1.0% late-term across 44 CDC areas (~6,000)
Verified19Michigan 2021: 89 ≥21 week abortions, 0.5%
Directional202016 CDC: 1.1% ≥21 weeks
Single source21Indiana 2020: 45 late-term, 0.2%
Verified22Netherlands 2021: 280 after 24 weeks, 0.2%
VerifiedPrevalence and Incidence Rates Interpretation
The data consistently shows that what some loudly call a common practice is, in reality, an exceptionally rare and deeply difficult medical decision, representing just over one percent of cases, yet it absorbs one hundred percent of the political spotlight.
Sources & References
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- Reference 2GUTTMACHERguttmacher.orgVisit source
- Reference 3DSHSdshs.texas.govVisit source
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- Reference 7GOVgov.ukVisit source
- Reference 8PUBMEDpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govVisit source
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- Reference 10NEJMnejm.orgVisit source
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- Reference 12SUPREMECOURTsupremecourt.govVisit source
- Reference 13LEGINFOleginfo.legislature.ca.govVisit source
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