Violence Against Abortion Providers Continues to Rise Following Roe Reversal, New Report Finds

For Embargoed Releases: May 11, 2023 6am ET
Please contact: Claire Connolly, naf@berlinrosen.com

The National Abortion Federation’s 2022 Violence & Disruption Report found a sharp increase in violence in protective states as clinics closed in ban states.

NATIONAL—Today, the National Abortion Federation (NAF) released its 2022 statistics on violence and disruption against abortion providers and clinics. The report shows increases in major incidents such as arson, theft, death threats, and aggression in general; a sharp increase in violence and interference in states that protect abortion rights; and anti-abortion centers intensifying efforts to deceive and deter patients seeking abortion care.

The NAF has been monitoring these incidents for over 45 years. Since 1977, there have been 11 murders, 42 bombings, 200 arsons, 531 assaults, 492 clinic raids, 375 robberies, and thousands of other incidents of criminal activity directed at patients, providers, and volunteers.

“The data is proof of what we know to be true: anti-abortion extremists are emboldened by the Supreme Court’s decision to reverse Roe v. Wade and the subsequent ban on abortion. As clinics have closed in states with bans, extremists have shifted their focus to states where abortion remains legal and protected, where our members have reported large increases in abortions. assault, theft, and robbery,” said Melissa Fowler, Chief Program Officer at the National Abortion Federation. “Despite experiencing one of the most devastating years in reproductive access, abortion providers are persevering. Our members have remained steadfast in their duty to provide care by accepting an increase in out-of-state patients, following local laws, and traveling to different states to provide care—all while dealing to the daily threat of violence. The National Abortion Federation provides our members with 24/7 security support and preparedness exercises to protect their safety and ensure they can continue to deliver essential care to their communities.”

NAF’s 2022 Violence and Disruption Report represents an unprecedented year in abortion access as theDobbs the decision was overturned Roe v. Wade, forcing dozens of clinics across the country to close amid state-level abortion bans and anti-abortion extremism. For clinics that remain open, many have experienced higher levels of disruption this past year. To hear firsthand from providers who experienced disruption this past year, visit NAF’s new provider incident map HERE.

Notable statistics from 2022:

• Stalking increased by 229% (from 28 in 2021 to 92 in 2022)
• Theft increased by 231% (from 13 in 2021 to 43 in 2022)
• Arson increased by 100% (from 2 in 2021 to 4 in 2022)
• Raids increased by 25% (from 16 in 2021 to 20 in 2022)
• There has been a 100% increase in anthrax/bioterrorism threats over the past decade (from 2 between 2010-2021 to 4 in 2022)
• Protective states have seen a disproportionate increase in violence and disruption:
  • Assaults and batteries increased by 29% (from 7 in 2021 to 9 in 2022)
  • Thefts increased by 100% (from 5 in 2021 to 10 in 2022)
  • Stalking increased by 913% (from 8 in 2021 to 81 in 2022)
  • Hoax Devices/Suspicious Packages increased by 21% (from 47 in 2021 to 57 in 2022)
  • Bomb threats increased by 133% (from 3 in 2021 to 7 in 2022)
  • Picketing increased by 21% (from 33,907 in 2021 to 40,863 in 2022)
  • Obstacles increased by 538% (from 45 in 2021 to 287 in 2022)

“The threat of violence against abortion providers remains on the rise and is deeply concerning. In addition to the increase in large-scale incidents, extremists are becoming more organized; for example, we see them targeting clinics on days they know they will have more patients, be short staffed, or have less security,” Michelle Davidson, Director of Security, National Abortion Federation. “Anti-abortion extremists have also turned their attention to protective states after dozens of clinics were forced to close in states that have banned abortion, leading to alarming levels of disruption for many of these clinics. . The NAF is helping these clinics strengthen their security services to address the increasing incidents of theft, blocking clinic entrances, and stalking.”

View the full report: 2022 Violence and Disruption Statistics

NAF provides several critical security resources to clinics to keep providers and their patients safe, including 24/7 emergency response, staff preparedness trainings, facility and residential security assessments, and assistance in law enforcement when desired and appropriate.

###

The National Abortion Federation is the largest and leading professional association of abortion providers in the country. NAF represents hundreds of providers and clinics across the country who are on the front lines of helping people access abortion care. They provide members with training, security support, quality assurance, and a valuable community. NAF also operates the National Abortion Hotline, the largest national, multi-lingual abortion hotline in the US, which helps anyone in any state understand their care options, including finding a provider, arranging travel to another state, or funding their care. Twitter. Facebook. Instagram.

National Abortion Hotline: 1-800-772-9100.