Abortion is now banned in at least nine states, with trigger bans in several more set to take effect in the coming days. Laws in eight states took effect on Friday after the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Oklahoma passed a law in May prohibiting nearly all abortions.
Legal status of abortion without Roe
The New York Times is tracking abortion laws in each state following the court’s decision. About half of states are expected to allow bans or other limits on the procedure to take effect. In other states, the status of abortion isn’t settled. Courts must determine the fate of existing restrictions that were unenforceable under Roe. And legislators in several states are planning special sessions to propose new laws to halt abortion access.
Where abortion is already prohibited or is likely to be banned or restricted
These states have trigger laws that have already or will soon ban abortion following the Supreme Court’s decision; have moved in recent months to restrict abortion in anticipation of the court’s decision; or have existing bans that were temporarily blocked by a judge but could now be enforced.
Where abortion restrictions are uncertain
Lawmakers in these states have signaled an interest in restricting abortion. In some, the governor or a state constitutional amendment may protect abortion rights in the short term. In others, pre-Roe laws that prohibited abortion before the 1973 decision could be enforced again.
Where abortion is likely to remain protected
These states are expected to maintain the right to an abortion, and many are working to expand access to the procedure by requiring insurance to pay for it and increasing the number of abortion providers.
Where Abortion Legislation Stands Across the U.S.
Several states have imposed restrictions on abortion, while others have reinforced their ability to provide the procedure. Here is a look at some recent developments:
Restricting Abortion
Oklahoma: Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a bill that bans nearly all abortions starting at fertilization. The new law, which takes effect immediately, is the most restrictive abortion ban in the country.
Florida: In March, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law a ban on most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. It takes effect on July 1.
Idaho: A ban on abortion after six weeks of pregnancy was set to take effect on April 22 but has been temporarily blocked by the Idaho Supreme Court.
Kentucky: Lawmakers overrode the governor’s veto of a law restricting abortion after 15 weeks. A federal judge temporarily blocked the measure.
Reinforcing Abortion
California: Abortion rights are already protected in the State Constitution, but lawmakers proposed an amendment to bolster those protections. A package of bills also seeks to make the state a “refuge” for women seeking abortions.
Connecticut: A new law would shield abortion providers and patients from lawsuits initiated by states that have banned or plan to ban abortion.
New York: Several bills have been introduced to strengthen abortion rights, including one that would create an abortion access fund.
Maryland: Overriding the governor’s veto, lawmakers passed a bill that allows trained medical professionals other than physicians to perform abortions.
