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How many American women will have an abortion in their lifetime?

After the US Supreme Court鈥檚 historic decision to overturn the constitutional right to a legal abortion, we look at some surprising statistics.

Earlier this month, the US Supreme Court overturned its 1973 ruling on Roe vs Wade - the case which guaranteed a constitutional right to a legal abortion across the US, sparking heated protests and debates across the country.

But how many American women will have an abortion in their lifetime? One statistic circulating online puts it at as high as one in three. Reporter Charlotte McDonald has been looking into the figures and has uncovered some surprising statistics.

Presenter: Tim Harford
Producer: Charlotte McDonald
Editor: Richard Vadon
Programme Coordinator: Brenda Brown
Sound Engineer: Graham Puddifoot

(demonstrators argue with law enforcement in front of the U.S. Supreme Court June 24 2022. Credit: Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

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9 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Sat 2 Jul 2022 04:50GMT
  • Sat 2 Jul 2022 22:50GMT
  • Sat 2 Jul 2022 23:50GMT
  • Sun 3 Jul 2022 00:50GMT
  • Sun 3 Jul 2022 13:50GMT
  • Sun 3 Jul 2022 22:50GMT
  • Mon 4 Jul 2022 09:50GMT

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