Many American women are opting for sterilization to ensure prevention of unwanted pregnancy amid ongoing concern about abortion access.

Researchers looking at insurance claim data say around 4.8 million American females underwent tubal ligations in 2021 and 2022. The data included 36 states and Washington, D.C.

“At least I don’t have to worry about having a baby,” says Madison Clark, a 24-year-old nursing student from Battle Creek, Michigan, who underwent the removal of her fallopian tubes in September.