abortion laws of USA
Get to know about abortion laws
Abortion in the United States
The legal landscape for abortion access in America has undergone seismic upheaval since mid-2022. The Supreme Court decision eliminating federal abortion rights protections has allowed states to vastly expand restrictions or impose outright bans. As a result,whether and when abortion is legal now shifts drastically across state lines.
Background on Abortion Laws
Roe v. Wade and Right to Abortion
For nearly 50 years, the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision had established a nationwide right to abortion until viability, usually around 24 weeks of pregnancy. This federal protection enabled access to the procedure across the country.
Impact of Overturning Roe v. Wade
The Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturned Roe in June 2022. As a direct result, states have been able to enforce abortion bans and restrictions that had previously been blocked in court.
Without Roe’s protections, it’s estimated that over half of states will move to prohibit abortion. However, some states have laws preserving the right to abortion care.
Current State Laws on Abortion
In the months since the Dobbs decision, 14 states have banned most abortions, with limited exceptions in some states for life endangerment, rape, or incest. An additional 13 states have bans that have been temporarily blocked by courts but could still take effect.
We Support Human Rights
22 states mandate parental consent or notification for minors seeking abortions.
26 states ban abortion at a specified point in pregnancy, often around 6 weeks’ gestation. 12 states also require patients to wait 24-72 hours before getting an abortion.