Abortion Laws in the United States: A State-by-State Breakdown
The landscape of abortion access in the United States has shifted dramatically in recent years, with many states enacting strict restrictions and bans on the procedure. In 27 states, access to abortion is limited depending on gestational age, with bans ranging from six weeks to more than 24 weeks. Additionally, abortion is almost completely banned with limited exceptions in another 14 states.
The change in abortion laws can be traced back to the landmark 1973 case Roe v. Wade, which established a constitutional right to abortion up until the fetus can survive outside the womb. However, in 2022, the Supreme Court overturned this precedent in its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. This decision allowed states to impose stricter restrictions on abortion, leading to an increase in abortions nationally despite drops in states that have banned or restricted the procedure.
Since the Dobbs decision, states have taken varying stances on abortion, with some introducing new restrictions and bans. However, many of these laws have been blocked from taking effect as they are debated in court. This legal uncertainty has led to confusion and complexity in some states regarding access to abortion.
The Guttmacher Institute provides a detailed breakdown of abortion laws by state, highlighting the policy, exemptions, and details of each state’s stance on abortion. From outright bans to restrictions based on gestational age, the laws vary widely across the country.
The debate over abortion laws also extends to medication abortion, with restrictions in place in many states. The legality of medication abortion is currently being challenged in court, with the Supreme Court set to hear a case on the issue in March 2024.
As the battle over abortion rights continues, voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on the issue in the 2024 elections. Several states are expected to have abortion-related issues on the ballot, giving voters a chance to shape the future of abortion laws in their states.
