How abortion access differs across U.S. — and how overturning Roe v. Wade could change it
Global News
While some states have abortion access protected by law, many more have some kind of restriction already in place, with some pushing to restrict the procedure even further.
The leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft ruling suggesting Roe v. Wade could be overturned is putting a renewed focus on the state of abortion access across the country — and how it may change if the ruling becomes final.
While some states have abortion access protected by law, many more have some kind of restriction already in place, with some pushing to restrict the procedure even further.
The Roe v. Wade ruling in 1973 allowed states to regulate but not ban abortions up to the point of fetal viability, which is around the 24th week of a pregnancy. Justices reaffirmed the decision in 1992.
If Roe v. Wade falls, over a dozen states will see abortion completely banned immediately after the court’s decision is released. That number could increase if new so-called “trigger ban” laws are passed in the coming weeks.
Here’s a look at where abortion is allowed and restricted, and which states may ban it altogether.
Nearly every U.S. state has some kind of abortion law in place that either restricts access to abortion, or protects a woman’s right to choose the procedure.
Yet these laws are far from equal in severity or scope. Some states with restrictions still allow abortions in the first or second trimester of a woman’s pregnancy, while others like Texas have made it all but impossible to get an abortion after six weeks — often before many women know that they are pregnant.
Texas’ law is the only one currently in force due to its unique civilian enforcement clause, which was upheld by the Supreme Court early this year.