Google searches for ‘abortion pill’ soared after the court leak

Mifepristone (Mifeprex) and Misoprostol, the two drugs used in a medication abortion, are seen at the Women’s Reproductive Clinic, which provides legal medication abortion services, in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. By the end of the May 2 week, people across America had conducted 350,000 searches for information on the pills – nearly triple the search traffic from the week before, researchers reported in a new study on June 29. — AFP via Getty Images/TNS

PHILADELPHIA: In the hours after a draft of the US Supreme Court abortion ruling was leaked on May 2, Google searches for abortion pills soared – especially in states with greater restrictions on abortion.

By the end of that week, people across America had conducted 350,000 searches for information on the pills, which can be prescribed to induce an abortion in the early weeks of pregnancy – nearly triple the search traffic from the week before, researchers reported in a new study on June 29.