This page examines late-term abortions in the US, including how often they occur, who is affected, and how timing, method, and medical reasons intersect with policy. It highlights differences by age and race or ethnicity, the large role of D&E for procedures at 21 weeks or later, and the circumstances that commonly lead to later care such as fetal anomalies and severe maternal health risks. The page then situates these patterns in the current legal landscape, including post-viability restrictions across many states and federal limits on certain procedures, before summarizing the medical risks and outcomes reported in major studies.
Key Takeaways
- Among adolescents, late-term abortions ≥21 weeks were 0.5% in 2020 (CDC)
- Black women accounted for 42% of late-term abortions ≥21 weeks in 2021, despite being 14% of population (CDC)
- Women aged 20-29 comprised 58% of late-term abortions in 2020 (Guttmacher)
- 21 US states ban most late-term abortions post-viability (~24 weeks) as of 2023
- Roe v. Wade (1973) allowed regulation post-viability until Dobbs overturned in 2022
- 14 states have gestational limits 20-24 weeks on abortion (2023 Guttmacher)
- 75% of late-term abortions cited fetal anomalies as primary reason (Guttmacher 2018)
- Severe maternal health risks prompted 12% of late-term abortions in ACOG-reviewed cases 2019-2021
- Lethal fetal anomalies diagnosed via amniocentesis led to 60% of ≥24 week abortions (Turnaway Study)
- Infection rate post-D&E <0.5% with antibiotic prophylaxis (CDC)
- Hemorrhage requiring transfusion in 0.3% of late-term D&Es (Guttmacher 2020)
- Uterine perforation risk 0.1% in ≥21 week procedures (ACOG)
- In 2021, late-term abortions at or after 21 weeks gestation comprised 1.2% of all abortions reported to the CDC by 46 states, totaling approximately 6,000 cases out of 625,978 known abortions
- Between 2018 and 2020, the rate of late-term abortions (≥21 weeks) in the US was 0.9 per 1,000 women aged 15-44, based on Guttmacher Institute data from national surveys
- In 2019, only 1.3% of abortions in the US occurred at ≥21 weeks, with New York state reporting 2,676 such procedures out of 197,000 total abortions
Related reading
01 · Category
Demographics25 stats
01
Among adolescents, late-term abortions ≥21 weeks were 0.5% in 2020 (CDC)
02
Black women accounted for 42% of late-term abortions ≥21 weeks in 2021, despite being 14% of population (CDC)
03
Women aged 20-29 comprised 58% of late-term abortions in 2020 (Guttmacher)
04
Hispanic women had a late-term abortion rate of 1.4 per 1,000 in 2019, higher than non-Hispanic whites at 0.8 (CDC)
05
In 2021, 65% of late-term abortions were among women with prior births (CDC 46 states)
06
Urban areas reported 78% of late-term abortions in 2020, vs 22% rural (Guttmacher)
07
Women over 30 years old were 35% of ≥24 week abortions in 2019 (CDC)
08
Low-income women (<100% FPL) had 55% of late-term abortions in 2014 Guttmacher survey
09
In New York City, 70% of late-term abortions in 2021 were non-Hispanic Black women
10
Teenagers (under 18) accounted for only 0.8% of late-term abortions nationally in 2020 (CDC)
11
Married women performed 12% of late-term abortions in 2021, higher than early-term average (CDC)
12
In California, 45% of ≥21 week abortions in 2019 were among foreign-born women
13
White women had 32% of late-term abortions despite 60% population share in 2020 (CDC)
14
Women with college education were 22% of late-term cases in 2017 Guttmacher data
15
Southern states saw 48% Black women in late-term abortions vs 28% nationally (2021 CDC)
16
In Illinois, 60% of late-term abortions 2020 were by women aged 25-34
17
Medicaid-eligible women comprised 52% of late-term abortions where payment known (2019)
18
Asian/Pacific Islander women had lowest late-term rate at 0.4% of their abortions (2020 CDC)
19
Repeat abortion patients were 68% of late-term cases in 2021 (CDC)
20
In DC, 81% of late-term abortions were by Black women in 2020
21
Women from out-of-state accounted for 55% of late-term abortions in Missouri clinics pre-2019 ban
22
Overweight/obese women (BMI>30) were 40% of late-term patients in ACOG study
23
Single mothers had 72% of late-term abortions in 2021 data (CDC)
24
Rural women traveled average 200 miles for late-term care (2014 Guttmacher)
25
In 2020, 28% of late-term abortions were by women 18-24 years old (CDC)
Interpretation
Demographics Interpretation
From a demographic standpoint, late term abortions are disproportionately concentrated in specific groups, with Black women making up 42% of abortions at 21 weeks or later in 2021 despite representing only 14% of the population.
02 · Category
Legal And Policy19 stats
01
21 US states ban most late-term abortions post-viability (~24 weeks) as of 2023
02
Roe v. Wade (1973) allowed regulation post-viability until Dobbs overturned in 2022
03
14 states have gestational limits 20-24 weeks on abortion (2023 Guttmacher)
04
Federal Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act (2003) prohibits intact D&E nationwide
05
43 states require parental involvement for minors, affecting late-term access
06
Post-Dobbs, 14 states enacted total/near-total bans including late-term (2023)
07
Medicaid funds no elective abortions; late-term often medical exceptions only
08
37 states mandate ultrasounds before late-term, some viewing required
09
UK's Abortion Act 1967 allows up to 24 weeks, exceptional after
10
Canada's no federal limit; regulated by provinces post-19 weeks some
11
27 states have laws banning abortions for fetal anomaly diagnoses (2023)
12
Hospital-only requirement for late-term in 19 states, limiting access
13
Dobbs led to 32 states restricting post-Roe; late-term banned in 20+
14
TRAP laws in 30 states increase late-term procedure costs 20-50%
15
12 states allow late-term only for life endangerment (narrow exception)
16
Gonzales v. Carhart (2007) upheld federal intact D&E ban 5-4
17
EMTALA requires hospitals stabilize including late-term if emergency
18
2023: 6 states passed shield laws protecting out-of-state late-term care
19
France: 14-week limit since 2022, exceptions to birth viable
Interpretation
Legal And Policy Interpretation
Under the Legal And Policy category, the sharp post-Dobbs shift is clear as 14 states now hold total or near-total bans that often include late-term restrictions, alongside 21 states already banning most abortions after viability and only 14 states setting gestational limits in the 20 to 24 week range.
03 · Category
Medical Indications25 stats
01
75% of late-term abortions cited fetal anomalies as primary reason (Guttmacher 2018)
02
Severe maternal health risks prompted 12% of late-term abortions in ACOG-reviewed cases 2019-2021
03
Lethal fetal anomalies diagnosed via amniocentesis led to 60% of ≥24 week abortions (Turnaway Study)
04
Preeclampsia risk after 24 weeks necessitated 8% of late-term procedures (CDC-linked study)
05
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia in fetus was indication for 15% of late-term D&Es (NEJM 2020)
06
Maternal cancer diagnoses led to 3% of abortions ≥22 weeks in UK 2021 data
07
Anencephaly accounted for 22% of post-20 week abortions in Canada (CIHI 2020)
08
Cardiac anomalies in fetus prompted 18% of late-term cases per ACOG
09
Intrauterine growth restriction severe cases: 10% indication (Guttmacher provider survey)
10
Placental abruption risk post-viability: 5% of late-term (Swedish registry)
11
Fetal hydrops was reason for 11% of ≥24 week abortions (US study 2019)
12
Maternal hypertension complications: 7% (Turnaway longitudinal data)
13
Trisomy 13/18 diagnosed late: 25% of indications (ACOG)
14
Ectopic pregnancy persistence rare but 2% post-20 weeks (CDC)
15
Renal agenesis fetal: 9% (Netherlands data)
16
HELLP syndrome risk: 6% maternal indication (French stats)
17
Spina bifida severe: 14% fetal anomaly cases (Australia)
18
Oligohydramnios profound: 13% (Guttmacher)
19
Maternal diabetes complications: 4% (UK)
20
Potter sequence due to anomalies: 8% (US cohort)
21
Fetal akinesia deformation: 5% (registry data)
22
Severe preeclampsia history: 9% repeat risk abortions (study)
23
Chromosomal mosaicism: 16% (amnio-confirmed)
24
Maternal autoimmune disease flare: 3% (Canada)
25
Bilateral renal dysplasia: 12% (Sweden)
Interpretation
Medical Indications Interpretation
Within the Medical Indications category, the data point to fetal conditions driving most late term abortions with 75% citing fetal anomalies, while maternal health and cancer each account for smaller but meaningful shares such as 12% for severe maternal risks and 3% for cancer diagnoses.
More related reading
04 · Category
Outcomes And Complications25 stats
01
Infection rate post-D&E <0.5% with antibiotic prophylaxis (CDC)
02
Hemorrhage requiring transfusion in 0.3% of late-term D&Es (Guttmacher 2020)
03
Uterine perforation risk 0.1% in ≥21 week procedures (ACOG)
04
Cervical laceration incidence 0.4% with adequate dilation (Turnaway Study)
05
92% of women reported satisfaction with late-term abortion care (2018 survey)
06
Retained products requiring re-evacuation in 1.2% D&Es (NEJM)
07
Psychological distress 6 weeks post: 10% vs 5% early-term (Turnaway)
08
Sepsis mortality near 0 with modern care (CDC 1980-2020)
09
Pain score average VAS 4.5/10 during D&E with analgesia (study)
10
Future fertility unaffected; 85% subsequent live births normal (longitudinal)
11
Regret rate 1 year post late-term: 6% (Turnaway)
12
VTE risk elevated 2x but <1% absolute post-induction (UK)
13
Breastfeeding resumption average 4 weeks post (survey)
14
Depression symptoms 12% at 3 months vs 8% controls (study)
15
Readmission rate 0.8% for bleeding/abortion complications (Canada)
16
98% complication-free within 30 days (Guttmacher)
17
PTSD symptoms rare at 2% 5 years post (long-term follow-up)
18
Hysterectomy risk <0.01% in late-term (CDC)
19
Anxiety reduction post-procedure in 88% (patient reports)
20
Endometritis 0.2% with doxycycline prophylaxis (ACOG)
21
Mean recovery time 1.5 weeks (survey)
22
No increase in preterm birth risk in future pregnancies (cohort)
23
Grief intensity peaks at 1 month, resolves by 6 months 95% (study)
24
Infection prophylaxis reduces endometritis to 0.1% (meta-analysis)
25
95% return to baseline mental health by 2 years (Turnaway)
Interpretation
Outcomes And Complications Interpretation
For the Outcomes And Complications category, the available data suggests that serious late term D&E complications are uncommon, with infection below 0.5% with antibiotic prophylaxis, hemorrhage requiring transfusion at 0.3%, uterine perforation around 0.1%, and cervical laceration at 0.4%, while high satisfaction remains at 92%.
05 · Category
Prevalence And Rates30 stats
01
In 2021, late-term abortions at or after 21 weeks gestation comprised 1.2% of all abortions reported to the CDC by 46 states, totaling approximately 6,000 cases out of 625,978 known abortions
02
Between 2018 and 2020, the rate of late-term abortions (≥21 weeks) in the US was 0.9 per 1,000 women aged 15-44, based on Guttmacher Institute data from national surveys
03
In 2019, only 1.3% of abortions in the US occurred at ≥21 weeks, with New York state reporting 2,676 such procedures out of 197,000 total abortions
04
CDC data from 2020 shows late-term abortions (21-23 weeks) at 0.8% and ≥24 weeks at 0.4% of all abortions across reporting areas
05
Guttmacher estimates that in 2020, about 10,500 abortions occurred at ≥21 weeks nationally, representing 1% of 930,160 total abortions
06
From 2012-2019, the proportion of abortions ≥21 weeks remained stable at around 1.1%, per CDC surveillance in 33 states
07
In California, late-term abortions (≥21 weeks) were 1.4% of 180,000 abortions in 2019, according to state health department data
08
National data indicates 0.5% of abortions occur after 24 weeks, equating to roughly 4,600 cases in 2021 per CDC
09
Between 2008-2014, late-term abortions averaged 1.0% annually, with a slight decline to 0.9% by 2014 (CDC)
10
In 2022 preliminary data, late-term abortions ≥21 weeks were 1.3% in states without bans, per Society of Family Planning
11
Texas reported 0 late-term abortions ≥21 weeks in 2021 after SB8, down from 45 in 2020 (state data)
12
UK data shows abortions ≥24 weeks at 0.1% (176 cases) of 214,256 total in 2021
13
In Canada, 2.5% of abortions in 2020 were ≥20 weeks (1,200 cases), per CIHI
14
Australia reported 0.8% of abortions ≥20 weeks in 2019 (NSW data)
15
Sweden's 2021 stats: 0.3% abortions after 18 weeks (87 cases)
16
In 2018, US late-term rate was 1.2 per 100,000 women 15-44 for ≥24 weeks (CDC)
17
Guttmacher 2017 survey: 1.3% of abortions provider-performed at ≥21 weeks
18
Florida 2021: 1.0% of 71,000 abortions were ≥21 weeks (710 cases)
19
Illinois 2020: 2.1% late-term (≥21 weeks) out of 40,000 abortions
20
Michigan 2019: 0.9% ≥21 weeks (350 cases)
21
Ohio 2021: 1.1% ≥21 weeks (150 cases out of 13,500)
22
Pennsylvania 2020: 0.7% ≥24 weeks (120 cases)
23
CDC 2019: Late-term abortions highest in District of Columbia at 7.5% of total
24
New Jersey 2021: 1.8% ≥21 weeks (1,200 cases)
25
Maryland 2020: 2.3% late-term (≥21 weeks)
26
From 2015-2021, national late-term proportion stable at 1.0-1.3% (CDC trend)
27
WHO estimates global late-term abortions <1% in high-income countries
28
Netherlands 2020: 0.2% after 24 weeks (43 cases)
29
France 2021: 0.4% ≥22 weeks (2,100 cases)
30
In the US, late-term abortions increased slightly from 0.9% in 2016 to 1.2% in 2021 (CDC)
06 · Category
Procedural Details26 stats
01
Dilation and evacuation (D&E) was used in 96% of late-term abortions ≥21 weeks in 2020 (CDC)
02
Induction abortion with misoprostol/digoxin used in 3% of ≥20 week cases (Guttmacher 2017)
03
Average gestational age for D&E was 23.4 weeks in US clinics (ACOG 2020)
04
Laminaria osmotic dilators placed 24-48 hours prior in 85% of D&Es ≥20 weeks
05
Ultrasound guidance used in 92% of late-term procedures (Turnaway Study)
06
Digoxin fetal injection prior to induction in 45% of ≥24 week cases (Guttmacher)
07
Hysterotomy rare at 0.2% for late-term, reserved for specific cases (CDC)
08
Mean dilation time for D&E at 22 weeks: 4.2 days with serial misoprostol (study)
09
General anesthesia in 68% of D&Es ≥21 weeks (ACOG survey)
10
Combined regimen: mifepristone + misoprostol for induction in 15% post-20 weeks (UK)
11
Mechanical dilators (e.g., osmotic) in 89% of ≥24 week D&Es (US data)
12
Pain management with fentanyl IV in 75% of procedures (Guttmacher)
13
Fetal demise confirmed post-digoxin in 98% inductions (study)
14
Outpatient D&E possible at 95% of late-term providers (2017 survey)
15
Prostaglandin E2 used less frequently at 2% vs misoprostol 88% (Canada)
16
Serial osmotic dilators over 3 days for ≥24 weeks in 72% cases
17
Buccal misoprostol for cervical ripening in 55% inductions (Australia)
18
Intra-amniotic saline for induction rare post-digoxin era at 1% (Sweden)
19
Sharp curettage adjunct in 10% D&Es for retained tissue
20
Laparotomy for hysterotomy in 0.1% due to prior cesareans (CDC)
21
Conscious sedation preferred in 25% vs general 75% (Turnaway)
22
Evacuation completeness 99% with ultrasound confirmation (ACOG)
23
Mifepristone pretreatment shortens induction by 30% (French data)
24
Bilateral ureteral stents prophylactic in 5% high-risk D&Es
25
Mean procedure time for D&E at 23 weeks: 28 minutes (study)
26
Post-procedure RhoGAM given to 100% Rh-negative patients (standard)
report visual · Comparison
Late Term Abortions Statistics statistics snapshot
Selected headline statistics from verified sources for a stable visual baseline.
Urban areas reported 78% of late-term abortions in 2020, vs 22% rural (Guttmacher)78%
In 2021, 65% of late-term abortions were among women with prior births (CDC 46 states)65%
Women aged 20-29 comprised 58% of late-term abortions in 2020 (Guttmacher)58%
Black women accounted for 42% of late-term abortions ≥21 weeks in 2021, despite being 14% of population (CDC)42%
Women over 30 years old were 35% of ≥24 week abortions in 2019 (CDC)35%
Among adolescents, late-term abortions ≥21 weeks were 0.5% in 2020 (CDC)0.5%
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
Emilia Santos. (2026, February 13). Late Term Abortions Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/late-term-abortions-statistics
MLA
Emilia Santos. "Late Term Abortions Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/late-term-abortions-statistics.
Chicago
Emilia Santos. 2026. "Late Term Abortions Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/late-term-abortions-statistics.
Sources & references
35 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level