A recent decision by the Arizona Supreme Court to uphold an 1864 law criminalizing most abortions has sparked concern among doctors and clinic leaders, who expect a surge in demand for abortion care across the Southwest and West. Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, which has clinics in Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada, has already seen nearly 700 patients from Arizona since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022. With restrictions in Arizona, patients may have to travel long distances to states like California and Colorado to access care.
Experts predict an increase in interstate travel for abortions, with out-of-state patients accounting for a growing percentage of abortions obtained nationally. The Guttmacher Institute reported that interstate travel for abortions nearly doubled between 2020 and 2023, with more people seeking care in less restrictive states. However, not everyone has the means to travel, leading to potential delays in getting appointments due to mandatory waiting periods and limited clinic availability in some states.
Organizations like the Brigid Alliance and the Abortion Fund of Arizona work to provide financial and logistical support to individuals seeking abortions, including covering expenses like airfare, child care, and lodging. However, the demand for these services is expected to increase, particularly for residents of Arizona who have limited access to abortion care within the state. Delays in accessing care can have serious repercussions, as procedures done later in pregnancy may be more complicated.
In response to the new restrictions in Arizona, some organizations are exploring ways to support individuals who need to travel out of state for abortions. The Abortion Fund of Arizona has reported that out-of-state clinics require patients to stay for multiple days to complete medication abortions, leading to increased costs for travel and accommodations. Meanwhile, pregnancy centers that oppose abortion, like Hands of Hope Tucson, continue to provide support to individuals facing unexpected pregnancies, focusing on providing assistance and resources for healing.
For Arizona residents who are closer to states with more abortion protections, such as California, there are resources available to help navigate the logistical challenges of seeking care out of state. The Abortion Safe Haven Project, created by the state of California and Los Angeles County, provides guidance and support for out-of-state patients. Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest also offers navigation services to assist individuals in overcoming barriers to accessing abortion care in neighboring states.
