A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) concludes that abortion is safe and effective. This evidence-based, non-partisan, scientific research overview, which was developed by an independent panel of 16 experts in the field, is the first comprehensive look at abortion safety, access, and care conducted in the last forty years. Yet, regulations serve to reduce the number of abortion providers, limit access to training and education programs for potential providers, increase wait times, and establish mandatory delays for procedures.

“This report confirms decades of research that abortion is safe, even safer than many common medical procedures,” said Debra Hauser, President of Advocates for Youth.  “But with anti-abortion extremists working to chip away at access and limit availability, we’re in danger of undoing everything we have accomplished since Roe vs Wade. Every year, hundreds of thousands of women need abortion care. Medically unnecessary regulations not only threaten their autonomy and ability to plan their futures, but endanger their health. We need to ensure that everyone has access to safe and affordable abortion care, regardless of their age, income, or where they live.”