Abortion ruling prompts variety of reactions from states
Newslooks-
The U.S. Supreme Court on June 24 overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that had provided a constitutional right to abortion. The ruling was expected to lead to abortion bans in roughly half the states, although the timing of those laws taking effect varies.
Some Republican-led states banned or severely limited abortion immediately after the Dobbs v. Jackson decision, while other restrictions will take effect later.
In anticipation of the decision, several states led by Democrats took steps to protect abortion access. The decision also set up the potential for legal fights between the states over whether providers and those who help women obtain abortions can be sued or prosecuted.
Here is an overview of the impact the ruling has had so far in every state and the status of their laws.
ALABAMA
Political control: Alabama’s Republican-controlled Legislature and Republican governor want to ban or restrict access to abortions.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Hours after the Dobbs ruling, a judge lifted an order that had blocked a 2019 law with one of the nation’s most stringent abortion bans from being enforced.
What’s in effect: The ban is now in effect. It makes it a felony to perform an abortion at any stage of pregnancy with no exceptions for rape or incest. There is an exception in cases where the woman’s health is at serious risk. The penalty is up to 99 years in prison.
Clinics offering abortions? No.
What’s next: Some Republican lawmakers have said they would like to see the state replace the 2019 ban with a slightly less stringent bill that would allow exceptions in cases of rape or incest. Proponents said the 2019 ban was deliberately strict in the hopes of sparking a court challenge to Roe.
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ALASKA
Political control: Republicans hold a majority of seats in the Legislature, but the House has a bipartisan coalition majority composed largely of Democrats. Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy, who believes life begins at conception, is seeking reelection. His main challengers – independent former Gov. Bill Walker, and Democrat Les Gara – have said they would protect abortion rights if elected.
What’s happened since Dobbs: The Legislature ended its regular session before the decision came out, and there has been no push for a special session.
What’s in effect: The state Supreme Court has interpreted the right to privacy in the state constitution as encompassing abortion rights.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Voters in the fall will be asked if they want to hold a constitutional convention, a question that comes up every 10 years. Many conservatives who want to overhaul how judges are selected and do away with the interpretation that the constitution’s right to privacy clause allows for abortion rights see an opportunity in pushing for a convention.
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ARIZONA
Political control: The GOP controls both chambers of the state Legislature. Republican Gov. Doug Ducey must leave office in January because of term limits.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Legal uncertainty about two different abortion laws prompted clinics to stop providing the procedure. Republican Attorney General Mark Brnovich has asked a judge to lift a decades-old order that blocks enforcement of an abortion ban passed before Arizona was a state. But a new law scheduled to take effect Sept. 24 would be less stringent, banning abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. Also after the Dobbs ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court began allowing the state to enforce a 2021 ban on abortions done solely because the fetus has a genetic abnormality such as Down syndrome. But a federal judge in Phoenix in July blocked enforcement of another part of that so-called “personhood” law that grants legal rights to fertilized eggs or fetuses. Abortion rights supporters said that could have been used to charge providers with assault, child abuse or other crimes for otherwise-legal abortions.
What’s in effect: The law before Dobbs barred abortions after about 22 weeks.
Clinics offering abortions? No.
What’s next: More court battles are expected over whether the earlier, more complete ban is in effect and whether Arizona’s less stringent law can take effect in September.
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ARKANSAS
Political control: The Legislature and governor’s office are controlled by Republicans. Gov. Asa Hutchinson is term-limited and will leave office in January. Republican nominee Sarah Sanders, press secretary to former President Donald Trump, is widely favored to succeed him in the November election.
What’s happened since Dobbs: A “trigger ban” on most abortions adopted in 2019 went into effect.
What’s in effect: Abortions are banned with the exception of when the procedure is needed to protect the life of the mother in a medical emergency.
Clinics offering abortions? No.
What’s next: Hutchinson favors exceptions in the case of pregnancies caused by rape or incest, but he does not expect to ask lawmakers to consider it at a special legislative session.
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CALIFORNIA
Political control: Democrats who support access to abortion control all statewide elected offices and have large majorities in the Legislature.
What’s happened since Dobbs: The day of the Dobbs ruling, Gov. Gavin Newsome signed a bill intended to protect patients or providers from being sued in states that have abortion bans. He has also launched a commitment with Oregon and Washington to defend access to abortion.
What’s in effect: Abortion is legal in California until viability, generally considered to be around 24 weeks.
Clinics offering abortion? Yes.
What’s next: Lawmakers plan to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot in November that would explicitly guarantee the right to an abortion and contraceptives.
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COLORADO
Political Control: Colorado’s Democratic-controlled Legislature adopted and its Democratic governor signed into law a “fundamental right” to abortions in April.
What’s happened since Dobbs: After the legislature introduced the bill codifying abortion rights, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed an executive order saying Coloradans will not participate in out-of-state abortion-related investigations.
What’s in effect: Colorado’s Reproductive Health Equity Act declares fundamental rights to abortions at any stage of pregnancy. The law also prohibits local governments from denying, restricting, or depriving individuals of an abortion. State law still prohibits public funding for abortions and requires that minors inform their parents.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Republican lawmakers in Colorado have spoken about legislative challenges to the new state law. Colorado clinics are gearing up for an expected wave of out-of-state abortion seekers as surrounding states pass abortion bans.
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CONNECTICUT
Political control: Democrats who control the Connecticut General Assembly support access to abortion, as does the state’s Democratic governor.
What’s happened since Dobbs: A law protecting abortion providers from other states’ bans took effect July 1. It created a legal cause of action for providers and others sued in another state, enabling them to recover certain legal costs. It also limits the governor’s discretion to extradite someone accused of performing an abortion, as well as participation by Connecticut courts and agencies in those lawsuits.
What’s in effect: Abortion is legal in Connecticut until viability, generally considered to be around 24 weeks. A law adopted in 2022 allows advanced practice registered nurses, nurse-midwives or physician assistants to perform aspiration abortions in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: There’s been discussion of amending the state constitution to enshrine the right to abortion, which could take many years.
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DELAWARE
Political control: Democrats control the governor’s office and the General Assembly and have taken several steps to ensure access to abortion.
What’s happened since Dobbs: The state already had a 2017 law to codify the right to abortion and a 2022 law allowing physician assistants and advanced practiced registered nurses to prescribe abortion-inducing medications. After the ruling, the state adopted another law allowing physician assistants, certified nurse practitioners and nurse midwives to perform abortions before viability that includes legal protections for providers and patients.
What’s in effect: Abortion is legal until viability.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: With protections in place, no major abortion policy changes are expected.
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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Political control: The local government in the nation’s capital is controlled by Democrats, with a Democratic mayor and the D.C. Council split between Democrats and nominal independent politicians, who are all, invariably, Democrats.
What’s happened since Dobbs: No policy changes have come about since the ruling.
What’s in effect: Abortion is legal at all stages of pregnancy.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: The D.C. Council is considering legislation that would declare Washington, D.C., a “sanctuary city” for those coming from states where abortion is banned. But because Congress has oversight power over D.C. laws, a future ban or restrictions remain possible depending on control of Congress.
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FLORIDA
Political control: Republicans control the House and Senate and governor’s office, with GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis pledging to “expand pro-life protections” after the Dobbs decision.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Florida’s new 15-week abortion ban law went into effect July 1. The law is the subject of an ongoing lawsuit from abortion providers in Florida but remains in effect.
What’s in effect: The Florida law prohibits abortions after 15 weeks, with exceptions if the procedure is necessary to save the pregnant woman’s life, prevent serious injury or if the fetus has a fatal abnormality. It does not allow exceptions in cases where pregnancies were caused by rape, incest or human trafficking. Violators could face up to five years in prison. Physicians and other medical professionals could lose their licenses and face administrative fines of $10,000 for each violation.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: The lawsuit against Florida’s 15 week ban is ongoing and is expected to eventually reach the state Supreme Court. Republicans believe the conservative-controlled court will uphold the law.
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GEORGIA
Political control: Georgia has a GOP-controlled General Assembly and a Republican governor who support abortion restrictions, but all are up for election this November.
What’s happened since Dobbs: A federal appeals court allowed the state’s 2019 abortion law to be enforced in a July 20 ruling after three years of being on hold.
What’s in effect: The law bans abortion when fetal cardiac activity can be detected and also declares a fetus a person for purposes including income tax deductions and child support. There are exceptions in cases of rape – if a police report is filed – and incest. There are exceptions if a woman’s life or health would be threatened.
Clinics offering abortions? No.
What’s next: Some Republican lawmakers and candidates want Georgia to go further and ban abortion entirely, but Gov. Brian Kemp is unlikely to call a special session before November’s general election. Lawmakers are likely to consider further action when they return for their annual session in January. A major factor is whether Kemp is reelected or unseated by Democrat Stacey Abrams in November’s election.
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HAWAII
Political control: Hawaii’s governor is a Democrat and Democrats control more than 90% of the seats in the state House and Senate.
What’s happened since Dobbs: The law hasn’t changed.
What’s in effect: Hawaii legalized abortion in 1970, three years before Roe v. Wade. The state allows abortion until a fetus would be viable outside the womb. After that, it’s legal if a patient’s life or health is in danger.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Democratic lawmakers are considering how they might protect Hawaii medical workers from prosecution or civil litigation from other states for treating residents who aren’t full-time Hawaii residents such as military dependents or college students. Policymakers are paying attention to how the state may increase access to abortion on more rural islands where there is a doctor shortage, for example by boosting training for some nurses who under a new law passed last year are allowed to perform first-trimester abortions.
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IDAHO
Political control: Republicans hold supermajorities in the House and Senate and oppose access to abortion, as does the state’s Republican governor.
What’s happened since Dobbs: The ruling triggered a ban on all abortions except in cases of reported rape or incest or to protect the mother’s life. It is to take effect Aug. 25.
What’s in effect: Current law allows abortions up to viability, around 24 weeks, with exceptions to protect the woman’s life or in case of nonviable fetuses.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: The Idaho Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for Aug. 3 on whether to lift an injunction that blocked enforcement of another law that could subject medical providers to lawsuits and criminal charges.
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ILLINOIS
Political control: Illinois is overwhelmingly Democratic with laws providing greater access to abortion than most states. Democrats hold veto-proof supermajorities in the House and Senate, and the Democratic first-term governor seeking reelection this year, J.B. Pritzker, has promoted peaceful protests to protect the right to an abortion.
What’s happened since Dobbs: No major policy changes. Pritzker has called for a special legislative session to expand abortion rights.
What’s in effect: Abortion is legal in Illinois to the point of viability, and later to protect the patient’s life or health.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: A possible expansion of abortion access rights.
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INDIANA
Political control: Indiana has a Republican-dominated Legislature and a Republican governor who favors restricting abortion access.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Indiana Republican Senate leaders proposed a ban on all abortions with exceptions for rape, incest and to protect a woman’s life. The legislation came amid a political firestorm over a 10-year-old rape victim who traveled to Indiana from Ohio for an abortion.
What’s in effect: Abortion in Indiana is still legal up to about 20 weeks, with tighter restrictions after 13 weeks. Federal judges have lifted several previous injunctions – including abortions based on disability, gender, and race. Indiana doctors must also report abortions they perform on patients under 16 and procedures with complications.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes
What’s next: The Indiana state Senate is expected to vote July 30 on the ban, even as debate continues among Republicans about whether the keep the exceptions for rape and incest. If it advances, it still needs approval in the House.
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IOWA
Political control: Iowa has a Republican governor and Republicans have large majorities in both legislative chambers.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Gov. Kim Reynolds has asked state courts to reverse earlier decisions following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling and an Iowa Supreme Court decision that found the state constitution doesn’t guarantee the right to an abortion. Among the cases is a law she signed but was blocked by a district court that would have banned abortion after fetal cardiac activity can be detected.
What’s in effect: A 24-hour waiting period before an abortion.
Clinics offering abortions?: Yes.
What’s next: Reynolds says she will wait for the courts to act on her request to reverse previous rulings before proposing additional restrictions.
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KANSAS
Political control: Kansas has a Legislature controlled by Republicans who want to ban or restrict access to abortions but a Democratic governor who supports access and is up for reelection this year.
What’s happened since Dobbs: No changes in law or significant developments in court.
What’s in effect: Kansas allows abortion until the 22nd week of pregnancy. After that, abortion is allowed only to save a patient’s life or to prevent “a substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function.” Stricter laws are on hold after a 2019 state Supreme Court ruling that the state’s constitution grants a fundamental right to abortion.
Clinics offering abortion? Yes.
What’s next: Kansans vote Aug. 2 on a state constitutional amendment that would give the Legislature authority to make more restrictive laws, including an abortion ban.
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KENTUCKY:
Political control: Republicans have super majorities in the Kentucky House and Senate, and the GOP passed a trigger law in 2019 that imposed a near-total abortion ban. Kentucky’s Democratic governor opposes the ban and notes that it doesn’t provide exceptions for rape or incest.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Kentucky’s only two abortion clinics halted the procedure, but a Louisville judge halted enforcement of the state’s trigger law a few days later.
What’s in effect: On July 22, the Louisville judge issued an injunction blocking the state’s near-total abortion ban while the abortion clinics challenge its constitutionality.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes..
What’s next: Kentuckians are set to vote in November on a constitutional amendment that would ensure there are no state constitutional protections for abortion.
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LOUISIANA
Political control: Louisiana’s Legislature is controlled by Republicans who passed a trigger law to ban most abortions. Its Democratic governor, who is Catholic, also opposes abortions, though he supports exceptions for victims of rape or incest.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Immediately after the ruling, Louisiana’s three abortion clinics halted abortion procedures as the trigger law went into effect. However, since then, the ban has taken effect and been blocked multiple times in the form of rulings and temporary restraining orders.
What’s in effect: On July 21, a state district judge issued a preliminary injunction that allows clinics to continue providing abortions while a lawsuit filed by a north Louisiana abortion clinic and others continues. Eight days later, a judge ruled that enforcement could resume while the legal fight continues, but did not indicate when he would sign the order to put it in motion.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: A judge’s order gives attorneys until Aug. 20 to develop plans for a trial on whether the law should be permanently blocked. The state could appeal his order. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has said he expects the case to wind up at the state Supreme Court. In Louisiana, where the Legislature has long been dominated by abortion opponents, there is little question that an abortion ban will eventually be in effect.
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MAINE
Political control: Both chambers of the Maine Legislature, which has adjourned, are controlled by Democrats and the state has a Democratic governor.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Gov. Janet Mills has signed an executive order that bars state agencies from cooperating with other states’ abortion investigations and says extradition attempts in those cases would be denied.
What’s in effect: A 1993 law signed by a Republican governor affirms the right to abortion before the fetus is viable. Abortion is allowed after viability if the health or life of the patient is at risk, or if the pregnancy is no longer viable. Nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other medical professionals may perform abortions.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: No major changes are expected unless Republican former Gov. Paul LePage unseats Mills in her reelection bid and Republicans take control of both chambers of the Legislature.
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MARYLAND
Political control: Maryland’s General Assembly is controlled by Democrats who expanded abortion access this year by ending a restriction that only physicians can provide them and requiring most insurance plans to cover abortion care without cost. The legislature overrode Republican Gov. Larry Hogan’s veto of the bill in April.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Nothing changed immediately.
What’s in effect: State law prohibits restrictions to abortion prior to viability. The state approved legislation in 1991 to protect abortion rights if the U.S. Supreme Court ever restricted access; voters approved that right in 1992. Some nurse practitioners, nurse midwives and physician assistants already have received training on medication abortion.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Hogan, who will leave office due to term limits in January, has said he will not advance state funds to train non-physicians to provide abortions before it’s required next year.
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MASSACHUSETTS
Political control: Democrats control the Massachusetts Legislature and support access to abortion, as does the state’s Republican governor, although they differ on specific policies.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Gov. Charlie Baker signed an executive order on June 24 barring state agencies from assisting another state’s investigation into people or businesses for receiving or delivering reproductive health services that are legal in Massachusetts. The state also won’t cooperate with extradition requests from other states pursuing criminal charges. Just over a month later, Baker signed into law a measure intended to protect access to abortion and expand access to emergency contraceptives.
What’s in effect: Recent changes to Massachusetts law allows abortions after 24 weeks of pregnancy in cases where the child would not survive after birth, and lowers from 18 to 16 the age at which women can seek an abortion without consent from a parent or guardian.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: In liberal Massachusetts, restrictions are unlikely to be adopted.
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MICHIGAN
Political control: Both chambers of Michigan’s Legislature are controlled by Republicans who want to ban or restrict abortion access. The Democratic governor, who is up for reelection this year, supports access.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Abortion remains legal in Michigan after a state judge issued a preliminary injunction in May blocking immediate enforcement of a 1931 law banning nearly all abortions. Michigan’s Legislature has appealed the decision. Abortion rights activists have taken steps to bring a constitutional amendment before voters on the November ballot. The amendment would affirm the right to make pregnancy-related decisions without interference, including about abortion and reproductive services such as birth control.
What’s in effect: The temporary injunction, which stems from a Planned Parenthood lawsuit, blocked the 1931 law from going into effect and has kept abortion legal for now.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: The state’s election bureau and board of canvassers still need to verify and validate that the Reproductive Freedom for All ballot initiative submitted at least 425,000 valid signatures before the constitutional amendment officially makes the ballot. The issue is also expected to shape legislative and statewide elections this fall; the Democratic governor and attorney general have made abortion rights a centerpiece of their reelection campaigns.
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MINNESOTA
Political control: Anti-abortion Republicans control the Senate and Democrats hold the House, but the majorities are slim. Democratic Gov. Tim Walz is stressing his support for abortion rights as he seeks another term.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Minnesota abortion clinics are starting to see a surge of out-of-state patients. On July 11, a state judge further eased access to abortion by striking down as unconstitutional several restrictions such as a 24-hour waiting period and parental notification.
What’s in effect: A Minnesota Supreme Court ruling from 1995 says the state constitution protects abortion rights. Minnesota allows abortions up to the point of viability, typically 24 weeks. However, some legal experts have questioned whether that cutoff would stand up in court.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Democrats are making abortion rights a major issue as they seek to hold the governor’s office and House and take control of the Senate. Some Republican candidates are notably trying to downplay the issue.
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MISSISSIPPI
Political control: Mississippi’s Republican-controlled Legislature and Republican governor have pushed for years to ban or restrict access to abortions. A 2018 Mississippi law to ban abortions after 15 weeks was the basis of the case that the U.S. Supreme Court used to overturn Roe v. Wade.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Mississippi’s only abortion clinic, Jackson Women’s Health Organization, did its final abortions July 6 and has permanently closed. The clinic owner said she is selling the building and the clinic’s lawyers have withdrawn a lawsuit challenging a trigger law that bans most abortions.
What’s in effect: The trigger law passed in 2007 is in effect. It allows abortions only if a patient’s life is in danger or if a pregnancy was caused by a rape that was reported to law enforcement.
Clinics offering abortions? No.
What’s next: Republican House Speaker Philip Gunn says he will oppose any effort to allow abortion for pregnancies caused by incest because he believes life begins at conception.
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MISSOURI
Political control: Both GOP Gov. Mike Parson and the Republican-led General Assembly support laws against abortion.
What’s happened since Dobbs: A 2019 trigger ban on most abortions went into effect.
What’s in effect: The ban makes abortions illegal “except in cases of medical emergency.” Performing illegal abortions is punishable by 5 to 15 years in prison.
Clinics offering abortions? No.
What’s next: The city of St. Louis proposed a $1 million fund to help residents travel to neighboring Illinois for abortions, but Missouri Attorney General Schmitt has sued to block it.
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MONTANA
Political control: The Republicans who control the Montana Legislature and Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte want to limit access to abortion.
What’s happened since Dobbs: The Montana Republican Party updated its party platform to say it opposes all elective abortions. The party rejected a proposal to include an exception for rape or incest.
What’s in effect: Montana law used to say abortion is legal up until viability, or about 24 weeks of pregnancy. The state Legislature passed a bill in 2021 to reduce that to 20 weeks, arguing that is when the fetus can feel pain. That law, along with one that requires chemical abortions to be done with in-person medical supervision, are being challenged in court. A state judge temporarily blocked enforcement in October 2021 while the challenges move through the courts. The state has asked the Montana Supreme Court to vacate that injunction and overturn a 1999 Montana Supreme Court opinion that found the state’s constitutional right to privacy guarantees a woman’s access to abortion care.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: The Montana Supreme Court will issue a decision on the preliminary injunction. The Montana Legislature also passed a referendum to ask voters this November whether they support a state law to require abortion providers to give lifesaving treatment to a fetus that is born alive after a botched abortion. Opponents argue federal law already offers those protections.
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NEBRASKA
Political control: Nebraska has a Republican governor who favors a full abortion ban with no exceptions for rape or incest. The officially nonpartisan one-chamber Legislature is dominated by lawmakers who identify as Republicans.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Nebraska law has not changed.
What’s in effect: Abortion remains legal up to 20 weeks of pregnancy in Nebraska. Those seeking an abortion must receive counseling and wait 24 hours before getting an abortion. People under 19 must have parental consent to undergo an abortion.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Gov. Pete Ricketts remains noncommittal about calling a special session to address abortion, despite many Republican lawmakers pushing to outlaw the procedure. Abortion opponents don’t appear to have the 33-vote supermajority needed to overcome a filibuster waged by abortion-rights supporters.
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NEVADA
Political control: Nevada’s governor and state attorney general are Democrats who are up for reelection this year. Democrats control the state Senate and Assembly.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Abortion has become a campaign issue in top state and federal races, and Gov. Steve Sisolak has signed an executive order to protect access to abortion for residents and those from other states.
What’s in effect: Nevada voters enshrined the right to abortion in state law in 1990. A pregnancy can be terminated during the first 24 weeks, and after that to preserve the life or health of the pregnant person. It would take a statewide vote to change or repeal the law. Most Republican candidates for statewide posts say they oppose abortion.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Anti-abortion advocates are not expected to try to repeal Nevada’s abortion law. They have said they’ll seek laws requiring waiting periods, mandatory counseling or parental consent.
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NEW HAMPSHIRE
Political control: New Hampshire has a Republican governor and the GOP controls the 424-member Legislature. All legislative seats are up for election in November.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Legislative Democrats have urged Gov. Chris Sununu, who calls himself “pro-choice” to call a special session to codify abortion rights in state law. Sununu and Republican legislative leaders say there’s no need.
What’s in effect: Under a law that went into effect this year, abortion is allowed until 24 weeks of pregnancy, later for the health or life of the patient or if the fetus has been diagnosed with “abnormalities incompatible with life.”
Clinics offering abortion? Yes.
What’s next: Republican lawmakers are divided over whether the state should further restrict abortions.
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NEW JERSEY
Political control: Democrats control both houses of the state Legislature. Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy started his second consecutive term this year.
What’s happened since Dobbs: A week after the Supreme Court’s ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, Murphy signed into law two bills aimed at protecting the right to abortion for out-of-state residents and barring extradition to states that have prohibited the procedure. The governor also signed a state budget that includes $45 million to expand family planning and abortion services and security upgrades for clinics. Acting Attorney General Matthew Platkin and U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger of New Jersey on July 20 announced a partnership to share intelligence about threats to clinics and patients.
Clinics offering abortions: Yes.
What’s next: The state’s Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness is preparing to distribute money from the $5 million Reproductive Health Security Grant program.
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NEW MEXICO
Political control: The Democrats who control the New Mexico Legislature support access to abortion, as does the state’s Democratic governor. Several conservative Democratic state senators who voted against the repeal of the abortion ban in 2019 were ousted from office in 2020 by more socially progressive primary challengers.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Soon after the ruling, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order protecting abortion access. The order seeks to block New Mexico providers from being punished in other states for providing abortions to residents of other states.
What’s in effect: Abortion is legal in New Mexico, even in the third trimester.
Clinics offering abortions: Yes.
What’s next: The owner of the Jackson Women’s Health Organization at the center of the Dobbs decision plans to open a clinic in the city of Las Cruces, near Texas. Conservative counties are considering anti-abortion resolutions that say clinics are not welcomed. Abortion has taken center stage in the gubernatorial campaign.
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NEW YORK
Political control: The Democrats who control the New York Legislature support access to abortion, as does the state’s Democratic governor.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $25 million to expand access to abortion services and $10 million in grants to provide security at clinics. Less that two weeks before Dobbs, she signed other measures intended to protect abortion access.
What’s in effect: Abortion is legal in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, and after that to preserve the patient’s life or health or if the fetus isn’t viable.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Some abortion rights advocates are pushing lawmakers to begin the process of passing a constitutional amendment to protect access to abortion.
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NORTH CAROLINA
Political control: Republicans hold majorities in both chambers of the state’s General Assembly. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper supports abortion rights, but his veto power could be nullified if Republicans win more seats in November.
What’s happened since Dobbs: On the day of the ruling, Republican legislative leaders asked Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein, an abortion rights supporter, to demand a federal court lift an injunction on a 1973 state law that banned most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Stein declined. Cooper has signed an executive order that shields out-of-state abortion patients from extradition and prohibits state agencies from assisting other states’ prosecutions of those who travel to North Carolina for the procedure.
What’s in effect: A 2019 federal court ruling, affirmed last year by the 4th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, extended the right to an abortion in North Carolina until fetal viability, which typically falls between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. An abortion can be still be performed after viability in certain medical emergencies.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Republican General Assembly leaders have signaled that Stein’s inaction on the 20-week abortion ban injunction might lead them to petition the court on their own. A federal judge could also consider reinstating the ban without lawmaker involvement. The Republican party will likely intensify its efforts in this year’s elections to gain the five additional seats it needs for a veto-proof supermajority. Cooper and other Democrats already are making abortion rights a key campaign issue. Abortion politics also are expected to figure in two state Supreme Court elections in November. Republicans would gain a majority on the court if they win at least one.
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NORTH DAKOTA
Political control: North Dakota has a legislature dominated by Republicans who want to ban abortion, and the GOP governor had wanted Roe v. Wade wiped off the books in favor of state’s rights.
What’s happened since Dobbs: The ruling triggered a 2007 law to ban most abortions, but a judge blocked enforcement on July 27, the day before it was to kick in.
What’s in effect: Under current law, abortions are legal in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy and after that in the case of rape, incest, or to protect the life of the patient.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: The state’s only clinic, the Red River Women’s Clinic in Fargo, is fighting implementation of the ban and plans to move to Moorhead, Minnesota, if abortion is outlawed. The order putting enforcement on hold gave the clinic a reprieve.
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OHIO
Political control: Both legislative chambers are controlled by Republicans. Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, an abortion opponent, is seeking reelection.
What’s happened since Dobbs: A ban on abortions after the first detectable fetal cardiac activity has taken effect. Clinics dropped a federal lawsuit challenging the law and have filed a challenge under the Ohio Constitution. Republican Attorney General Dave Yost is fighting them.
What’s in effect: A law prohibiting most abortions once fetal cardiac activity is detected except when the patient’s life is threatened or their health is at significant risk.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Republican lawmakers will move for a total abortion ban after the November election. Some support recently introduced legislation declaring “personhood” begins at conception. Statehouse plans may change if the Ohio Supreme Court allows the clinics’ state constitutional challenge to proceed.
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OKLAHOMA
Political control: Republicans in Oklahoma have a supermajority in both chambers of the Legislature and a Republican governor up for reelection this year who has vowed to sign “every pro-life legislation that came across my desk.”
What’s happened since Dobbs: Abortion services were halted in the state in May after Gov. Kevin Stitt signed law blocking all abortions with few exceptions. The ruling also triggered another law outlawing abortion.
What’s in effect: Abortions are allowed only to protect the life of the patient in a law that’s enforced through civil lawsuits rather than criminal charges.
Clinics offering abortions? No.
What’s next: Abortion providers have shifted to helping patients get abortions in other states.
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OREGON
Political control: The Democrats who control the Oregon Legislature support access to abortion, as does the state’s Democratic governor.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Gov. Kate Brown has said she will protect abortion access for all.
What’s in effect: Oregon does not have any major abortion restrictions and it is legal at all stages of pregnancy.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Democratic lawmakers have formed a group to make recommendations to expand access to all forms of reproductive care.
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PENNSYLVANIA
Political control: Republicans who control the Pennsylvania Legislature are hostile to abortion rights, but the state’s Democratic governor is a strong supporter and has vetoed three GOP-penned bills in five years. The race for governor this year could tilt that balance.
What’s happened since Dobbs: No changes in the law or major court battles.
What’s in effect: Pennsylvania allows abortions up to 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: In November, voters will decide on a new governor between the state’s Democratic attorney general, Josh Shapiro, who supports abortion rights, and Republican state Sen. Doug Mastriano, who supports banning abortion with no exceptions. The Legislature is expected to remain in Republican hands. The state Supreme Court is considering a lawsuit filed by Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers aiming to overturn a 1982 law that bans the use of state dollars for abortion, except in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother. Republican lawmakers are advancing a proposal to amend the state constitution to declare there is no constitutional right to an abortion or to public funding for an abortion. The proposal could go before voters as early as May 2023.
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RHODE ISLAND
Political control: Democrats who control Rhode Island’s General Assembly support access to abortion, as does the Democratic governor.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Gov. Daniel McKee signed an executive order prohibiting state agencies from cooperating with other states’ investigations into people who travel to Rhode Island for abortions or health care providers that perform them.
What’s in effect: A 2019 law enshrined abortion protections in the state. The law says Rhode Island cannot restrict abortion prior to fetal viability or after if it is necessary to protect the health or life of the patient.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Legislative leaders have said they would address abortion insurance coverage for state employees and people in the Medicaid program in 2023.
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SOUTH CAROLINA
Political control: Both the House and Senate are controlled by Republicans, but they are a few seats short of a two-thirds majority. Republican Gov. Henry McMaster is up for reelection and Democratic opponent Joe Cunningham has said his veto of any stricter abortion bill would likely stick.
What’s happened since Dobbs: The state’s 2021 ban on abortion once cardiac activity is detected — typically around six weeks after fertilization — was allowed to go into effect. A Republican-dominated special House committee is working on a bill to ban all abortions unless the life of the mother is at risk.
What’s in effect: What’s in effect: South Carolina bans abortion after an ultrasound detects cardiac activity. There are exceptions for pregnancies cause by rape or incest, or when the life of the mother is in danger.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Lawmakers are planning special sessions to consider stricter abortion laws.
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SOUTH DAKOTA:
Political control: Republicans hold supermajorities in both legislative chambers. Republican Gov. Kristi Noem is up for reelection this year and is an ardent opponent of abortion rights.
What’s happened since Dobbs: A trigger law took effect banning abortion in South Dakota except to save the life of a pregnant woman. Some conservatives had wanted to do more, including trying to stop organizations or companies from paying for women to travel out of state for an abortion, but Noem – who had initially been eager to call a special session – announced in July that any action could wait until the regular session in 2023. Meanwhile, abortion rights supporters are considering a possible campaign for a ballot initiative aimed at overturning the state abortion ban or making it less restrictive.
What’s in effect: Abortion is illegal in South Dakota except to save the life of the mother.
Clinics offering abortions? No.
What’s next: Possible legislative action in 2023 aimed at making it more difficult for South Dakota residents to obtain abortion care elsewhere. Abortion rights supporters may to take the issue directly to voters to undo the ban.
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TENNESSEE
Political control: Tennessee has a Republican governor who is consistently vocal about his opposition to abortion. The GOP holds a supermajority in the General Assembly and has steadily chipped away at abortion access. Voters approved an amendment in 2014 declaring that the state constitution does not protect or secure the right to abortion or require it to be funded.
What’s happened since Dobbs: A court allowed enforcement of a law, adopted in 2020, that bans abortions after fetal cardiac activity is detected.
What’s in effect: The so-called “heartbeat” ban has exceptions only to prevent death or major health risks.
Clinics offering abortions? Most are not.
What’s next: An even more stringent ban triggered by the Dobbs ruling is to take effect in late August.
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TEXAS
Political control: The GOP has commanding majorities in the Texas Legislature and has controlled every statewide office for nearly 30 years. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott is up for reelection in November and is favored to win a third term.
What’s happened since Dobbs: The fall of Roe put in motion a trigger law to ban virtually all abortions starting in August. In the meantime, there has been litigation over whether a 1925 state abortion ban can be enforced.
What’s in effect: A 2021 law bans abortions once fetal cardiac activity can be detected, normally around six weeks.
Clinics offering abortions? No.
What’s next: There are legal questions to be settled about which ban is in effect, but nearly all abortions are expected to be illegal soon in the nation’s second most populous state. Some Republican lawmakers are also looking for ways to punish companies that help Texas-based employees get abortions elsewhere, although it’s not clear how much support that would have in the 2023 legislative session.
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UTAH
Political control: Utah is deeply conservative and the Legislature is controlled by a Republican supermajority.
What’s happened since Dobbs: A trigger law banning nearly all abortions was put into effect and then paused by a court amid a legal challenge. Meanwhile, a court allowed a 2021 ban on abortions after 18 weeks to be enforced.
What’s in effect: Abortions after 18 weeks are banned except in cases of rape and incest if those crimes are reported to law enforcement, and if there’s a serious risk to the life or health of the mother, as well as confirmed lethal birth defects.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: A court will decide whether the near-total ban is allowed under Utah’s state constitution.
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VERMONT
Political control: Democrats control both the House and Senate of the Vermont Legislature. Republican Gov. Phil Scott is a firm supporter of abortion rights.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Vermont has doubled down on its commitment to abortion rights. In 2019, the Vermont Legislature passed a law guaranteeing abortion rights in anticipation of the possible overturning of Roe. At the same time, the state began the process of amending the state constitution to protect abortion rights. The proposal must be passed by two consecutively elected legislatures, a process that was completed in February 2022. The final step in the process is a statewide referendum, scheduled for November.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: The vote on the Reproductive Liberty Amendment will be held Nov. 8.
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WASHINGTON
Political control: The Democrats who control the Washington Legislature support access to abortion, as does the state’s Democratic governor.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Gov. Jay Inslee issued a directive barring the Washington State Patrol from cooperating with other state’s investigations related to abortions.
What’s in effect: Abortion is legal in Washington until viability, and after in cases where the patent’s health or life is threatened.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Democratic officials say they’ll keep looking for ways to preserve access to abortion services for people within the state and who travel from places with restrictions.
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WEST VIRGINIA
Political control: West Virginia’s Legislature is controlled by Republicans who want to ban or restrict access to abortions. Gov. Jim Justice, a Republican, opposes abortion access and has signed two anti-abortion laws since taking office in 2017.
What’s happened since Dobbs: The state’s only abortion clinic initially closed out of concern that the staff could be prosecuted under an abortion law that dates to the 1800s. But the Women’s Health Center of West Virginia, in Charleston, announced it would challenge the law and resumed offering abortions. The state’s House of Delegates on July 27 passed a sweeping abortion ban that the Senate amended two days later. The House rejected those amendments and sent the bill to a conference committee. Both chambers adjourned but could be called back in August.
What’s in effect: Abortion is legal in the first 20 weeks of gestation, longer in cases where the patient’s life or health is at risk. Other restrictions include a 24-hour waiting period, required counseling to discourage abortion, parental permission for minors; a ban on the use of telemedicine to administer a medication abortion; and prohibition of abortions on the grounds that the child will be born with a disability.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Whether the old nearly total ban can be enforced is playing out in courts. At the same time, lawmakers are forging ahead with consideration of a new nearly total ban.
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WISCONSIN
Political control: Wisconsin’s Legislature is controlled by Republicans who want to ban or restrict access to abortions, but the Democratic governor supports access and is up for reelection this year.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Abortion clinics have stopped performing the procedure in Wisconsin under an 1849 law that banned abortions except to save a mother’s life. Attorney General Josh Kaul, a Democrat, has filed a lawsuit in state court challenging the ban. He argues that a 1985 state law prohibiting abortion after a fetus can survive outside the womb trumps the older law. While that lawsuit is pending, anti-abortion groups have said they will work with the Republican-controlled Legislature next year to update or replace the 1849 law.
What’s in effect: Possibly the 1849 ban on all abortions except to save a woman’s life.
Clinics offering abortions? No.
What’s next: The attorney general’s lawsuit against the 1849 law is pending in Dane County.
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WYOMING
Political control: Wyoming has one of the most Republican Legislatures in the U.S. and a Republican governor who in March approved a trigger law banning nearly all abortions.
What’s happened since Dobbs: A trigger ban on nearly all abortions took effect on July 27, only to have enforcement blocked by a court the same day.
What’s in effect: With enforcement of the new law blocked, Wyoming allows abortions until a fetus would survive outside its mother’s body, around 23 weeks. The new law banning abortion only provides exceptions in cases of rape or incest or to protect the mother’s life or health, not including psychological conditions.
Clinics offering abortions: No.
What’s next: Legal arguments will continue on the challenge to the more stringent ban brought by four women and two nonprofits who argue it violates the state constitution. The plaintiffs include organizers of a women’s health and abortion clinic that was damaged in a May 2022 arson attack.
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Associated Press reporters from across the U.S. contributed.
The U.S. Supreme Court on June 24 overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that had provided a constitutional right to abortion. The ruling was expected to lead to abortion bans in roughly half the states, although the timing of those laws taking effect varies.
Some Republican-led states banned or severely limited abortion immediately after the Dobbs v. Jackson decision, while other restrictions will take effect later.
In anticipation of the decision, several states led by Democrats took steps to protect abortion access. The decision also set up the potential for legal fights between the states over whether providers and those who help women obtain abortions can be sued or prosecuted.
Here is an overview of the impact the ruling has had so far in every state and the status of their laws.
ALABAMA
Political control: Alabama’s Republican-controlled Legislature and Republican governor want to ban or restrict access to abortions.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Hours after the Dobbs ruling, a judge lifted an order that had blocked a 2019 law with one of the nation’s most stringent abortion bans from being enforced.
What’s in effect: The ban is now in effect. It makes it a felony to perform an abortion at any stage of pregnancy with no exceptions for rape or incest. There is an exception in cases where the woman’s health is at serious risk. The penalty is up to 99 years in prison.
Clinics offering abortions? No.
What’s next: Some Republican lawmakers have said they would like to see the state replace the 2019 ban with a slightly less stringent bill that would allow exceptions in cases of rape or incest. Proponents said the 2019 ban was deliberately strict in the hopes of sparking a court challenge to Roe.
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ALASKA
Political control: Republicans hold a majority of seats in the Legislature, but the House has a bipartisan coalition majority composed largely of Democrats. Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy, who believes life begins at conception, is seeking reelection. His main challengers – independent former Gov. Bill Walker, and Democrat Les Gara – have said they would protect abortion rights if elected.
What’s happened since Dobbs: The Legislature ended its regular session before the decision came out, and there has been no push for a special session.
What’s in effect: The state Supreme Court has interpreted the right to privacy in the state constitution as encompassing abortion rights.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Voters in the fall will be asked if they want to hold a constitutional convention, a question that comes up every 10 years. Many conservatives who want to overhaul how judges are selected and do away with the interpretation that the constitution’s right to privacy clause allows for abortion rights see an opportunity in pushing for a convention.
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ARIZONA
Political control: The GOP controls both chambers of the state Legislature. Republican Gov. Doug Ducey must leave office in January because of term limits.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Legal uncertainty about two different abortion laws prompted clinics to stop providing the procedure. Republican Attorney General Mark Brnovich has asked a judge to lift a decades-old order that blocks enforcement of an abortion ban passed before Arizona was a state. But a new law scheduled to take effect Sept. 24 would be less stringent, banning abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. Also after the Dobbs ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court began allowing the state to enforce a 2021 ban on abortions done solely because the fetus has a genetic abnormality such as Down syndrome. But a federal judge in Phoenix in July blocked enforcement of another part of that so-called “personhood” law that grants legal rights to fertilized eggs or fetuses. Abortion rights supporters said that could have been used to charge providers with assault, child abuse or other crimes for otherwise-legal abortions.
What’s in effect: The law before Dobbs barred abortions after about 22 weeks.
Clinics offering abortions? No.
What’s next: More court battles are expected over whether the earlier, more complete ban is in effect and whether Arizona’s less stringent law can take effect in September.
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ARKANSAS
Political control: The Legislature and governor’s office are controlled by Republicans. Gov. Asa Hutchinson is term-limited and will leave office in January. Republican nominee Sarah Sanders, press secretary to former President Donald Trump, is widely favored to succeed him in the November election.
What’s happened since Dobbs: A “trigger ban” on most abortions adopted in 2019 went into effect.
What’s in effect: Abortions are banned with the exception of when the procedure is needed to protect the life of the mother in a medical emergency.
Clinics offering abortions? No.
What’s next: Hutchinson favors exceptions in the case of pregnancies caused by rape or incest, but he does not expect to ask lawmakers to consider it at a special legislative session.
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CALIFORNIA
Political control: Democrats who support access to abortion control all statewide elected offices and have large majorities in the Legislature.
What’s happened since Dobbs: The day of the Dobbs ruling, Gov. Gavin Newsome signed a bill intended to protect patients or providers from being sued in states that have abortion bans. He has also launched a commitment with Oregon and Washington to defend access to abortion.
What’s in effect: Abortion is legal in California until viability, generally considered to be around 24 weeks.
Clinics offering abortion? Yes.
What’s next: Lawmakers plan to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot in November that would explicitly guarantee the right to an abortion and contraceptives.
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COLORADO
Political Control: Colorado’s Democratic-controlled Legislature adopted and its Democratic governor signed into law a “fundamental right” to abortions in April.
What’s happened since Dobbs: After the legislature introduced the bill codifying abortion rights, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed an executive order saying Coloradans will not participate in out-of-state abortion-related investigations.
What’s in effect: Colorado’s Reproductive Health Equity Act declares fundamental rights to abortions at any stage of pregnancy. The law also prohibits local governments from denying, restricting, or depriving individuals of an abortion. State law still prohibits public funding for abortions and requires that minors inform their parents.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Republican lawmakers in Colorado have spoken about legislative challenges to the new state law. Colorado clinics are gearing up for an expected wave of out-of-state abortion seekers as surrounding states pass abortion bans.
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CONNECTICUT
Political control: Democrats who control the Connecticut General Assembly support access to abortion, as does the state’s Democratic governor.
What’s happened since Dobbs: A law protecting abortion providers from other states’ bans took effect July 1. It created a legal cause of action for providers and others sued in another state, enabling them to recover certain legal costs. It also limits the governor’s discretion to extradite someone accused of performing an abortion, as well as participation by Connecticut courts and agencies in those lawsuits.
What’s in effect: Abortion is legal in Connecticut until viability, generally considered to be around 24 weeks. A law adopted in 2022 allows advanced practice registered nurses, nurse-midwives or physician assistants to perform aspiration abortions in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: There’s been discussion of amending the state constitution to enshrine the right to abortion, which could take many years.
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DELAWARE
Political control: Democrats control the governor’s office and the General Assembly and have taken several steps to ensure access to abortion.
What’s happened since Dobbs: The state already had a 2017 law to codify the right to abortion and a 2022 law allowing physician assistants and advanced practiced registered nurses to prescribe abortion-inducing medications. After the ruling, the state adopted another law allowing physician assistants, certified nurse practitioners and nurse midwives to perform abortions before viability that includes legal protections for providers and patients.
What’s in effect: Abortion is legal until viability.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: With protections in place, no major abortion policy changes are expected.
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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Political control: The local government in the nation’s capital is controlled by Democrats, with a Democratic mayor and the D.C. Council split between Democrats and nominal independent politicians, who are all, invariably, Democrats.
What’s happened since Dobbs: No policy changes have come about since the ruling.
What’s in effect: Abortion is legal at all stages of pregnancy.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: The D.C. Council is considering legislation that would declare Washington, D.C., a “sanctuary city” for those coming from states where abortion is banned. But because Congress has oversight power over D.C. laws, a future ban or restrictions remain possible depending on control of Congress.
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FLORIDA
Political control: Republicans control the House and Senate and governor’s office, with GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis pledging to “expand pro-life protections” after the Dobbs decision.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Florida’s new 15-week abortion ban law went into effect July 1. The law is the subject of an ongoing lawsuit from abortion providers in Florida but remains in effect.
What’s in effect: The Florida law prohibits abortions after 15 weeks, with exceptions if the procedure is necessary to save the pregnant woman’s life, prevent serious injury or if the fetus has a fatal abnormality. It does not allow exceptions in cases where pregnancies were caused by rape, incest or human trafficking. Violators could face up to five years in prison. Physicians and other medical professionals could lose their licenses and face administrative fines of $10,000 for each violation.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: The lawsuit against Florida’s 15 week ban is ongoing and is expected to eventually reach the state Supreme Court. Republicans believe the conservative-controlled court will uphold the law.
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GEORGIA
Political control: Georgia has a GOP-controlled General Assembly and a Republican governor who support abortion restrictions, but all are up for election this November.
What’s happened since Dobbs: A federal appeals court allowed the state’s 2019 abortion law to be enforced in a July 20 ruling after three years of being on hold.
What’s in effect: The law bans abortion when fetal cardiac activity can be detected and also declares a fetus a person for purposes including income tax deductions and child support. There are exceptions in cases of rape – if a police report is filed – and incest. There are exceptions if a woman’s life or health would be threatened.
Clinics offering abortions? No.
What’s next: Some Republican lawmakers and candidates want Georgia to go further and ban abortion entirely, but Gov. Brian Kemp is unlikely to call a special session before November’s general election. Lawmakers are likely to consider further action when they return for their annual session in January. A major factor is whether Kemp is reelected or unseated by Democrat Stacey Abrams in November’s election.
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HAWAII
Political control: Hawaii’s governor is a Democrat and Democrats control more than 90% of the seats in the state House and Senate.
What’s happened since Dobbs: The law hasn’t changed.
What’s in effect: Hawaii legalized abortion in 1970, three years before Roe v. Wade. The state allows abortion until a fetus would be viable outside the womb. After that, it’s legal if a patient’s life or health is in danger.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Democratic lawmakers are considering how they might protect Hawaii medical workers from prosecution or civil litigation from other states for treating residents who aren’t full-time Hawaii residents such as military dependents or college students. Policymakers are paying attention to how the state may increase access to abortion on more rural islands where there is a doctor shortage, for example by boosting training for some nurses who under a new law passed last year are allowed to perform first-trimester abortions.
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IDAHO
Political control: Republicans hold supermajorities in the House and Senate and oppose access to abortion, as does the state’s Republican governor.
What’s happened since Dobbs: The ruling triggered a ban on all abortions except in cases of reported rape or incest or to protect the mother’s life. It is to take effect Aug. 25.
What’s in effect: Current law allows abortions up to viability, around 24 weeks, with exceptions to protect the woman’s life or in case of nonviable fetuses.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: The Idaho Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for Aug. 3 on whether to lift an injunction that blocked enforcement of another law that could subject medical providers to lawsuits and criminal charges.
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ILLINOIS
Political control: Illinois is overwhelmingly Democratic with laws providing greater access to abortion than most states. Democrats hold veto-proof supermajorities in the House and Senate, and the Democratic first-term governor seeking reelection this year, J.B. Pritzker, has promoted peaceful protests to protect the right to an abortion.
What’s happened since Dobbs: No major policy changes. Pritzker has called for a special legislative session to expand abortion rights.
What’s in effect: Abortion is legal in Illinois to the point of viability, and later to protect the patient’s life or health.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: A possible expansion of abortion access rights.
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INDIANA
Political control: Indiana has a Republican-dominated Legislature and a Republican governor who favors restricting abortion access.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Indiana Republican Senate leaders proposed a ban on all abortions with exceptions for rape, incest and to protect a woman’s life. The legislation came amid a political firestorm over a 10-year-old rape victim who traveled to Indiana from Ohio for an abortion.
What’s in effect: Abortion in Indiana is still legal up to about 20 weeks, with tighter restrictions after 13 weeks. Federal judges have lifted several previous injunctions – including abortions based on disability, gender, and race. Indiana doctors must also report abortions they perform on patients under 16 and procedures with complications.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes
What’s next: The Indiana state Senate is expected to vote July 30 on the ban, even as debate continues among Republicans about whether the keep the exceptions for rape and incest. If it advances, it still needs approval in the House.
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IOWA
Political control: Iowa has a Republican governor and Republicans have large majorities in both legislative chambers.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Gov. Kim Reynolds has asked state courts to reverse earlier decisions following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling and an Iowa Supreme Court decision that found the state constitution doesn’t guarantee the right to an abortion. Among the cases is a law she signed but was blocked by a district court that would have banned abortion after fetal cardiac activity can be detected.
What’s in effect: A 24-hour waiting period before an abortion.
Clinics offering abortions?: Yes.
What’s next: Reynolds says she will wait for the courts to act on her request to reverse previous rulings before proposing additional restrictions.
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KANSAS
Political control: Kansas has a Legislature controlled by Republicans who want to ban or restrict access to abortions but a Democratic governor who supports access and is up for reelection this year.
What’s happened since Dobbs: No changes in law or significant developments in court.
What’s in effect: Kansas allows abortion until the 22nd week of pregnancy. After that, abortion is allowed only to save a patient’s life or to prevent “a substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function.” Stricter laws are on hold after a 2019 state Supreme Court ruling that the state’s constitution grants a fundamental right to abortion.
Clinics offering abortion? Yes.
What’s next: Kansans vote Aug. 2 on a state constitutional amendment that would give the Legislature authority to make more restrictive laws, including an abortion ban.
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KENTUCKY:
Political control: Republicans have super majorities in the Kentucky House and Senate, and the GOP passed a trigger law in 2019 that imposed a near-total abortion ban. Kentucky’s Democratic governor opposes the ban and notes that it doesn’t provide exceptions for rape or incest.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Kentucky’s only two abortion clinics halted the procedure, but a Louisville judge halted enforcement of the state’s trigger law a few days later.
What’s in effect: On July 22, the Louisville judge issued an injunction blocking the state’s near-total abortion ban while the abortion clinics challenge its constitutionality.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes..
What’s next: Kentuckians are set to vote in November on a constitutional amendment that would ensure there are no state constitutional protections for abortion.
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LOUISIANA
Political control: Louisiana’s Legislature is controlled by Republicans who passed a trigger law to ban most abortions. Its Democratic governor, who is Catholic, also opposes abortions, though he supports exceptions for victims of rape or incest.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Immediately after the ruling, Louisiana’s three abortion clinics halted abortion procedures as the trigger law went into effect. However, since then, the ban has taken effect and been blocked multiple times in the form of rulings and temporary restraining orders.
What’s in effect: On July 21, a state district judge issued a preliminary injunction that allows clinics to continue providing abortions while a lawsuit filed by a north Louisiana abortion clinic and others continues. Eight days later, a judge ruled that enforcement could resume while the legal fight continues, but did not indicate when he would sign the order to put it in motion.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: A judge’s order gives attorneys until Aug. 20 to develop plans for a trial on whether the law should be permanently blocked. The state could appeal his order. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has said he expects the case to wind up at the state Supreme Court. In Louisiana, where the Legislature has long been dominated by abortion opponents, there is little question that an abortion ban will eventually be in effect.
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MAINE
Political control: Both chambers of the Maine Legislature, which has adjourned, are controlled by Democrats and the state has a Democratic governor.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Gov. Janet Mills has signed an executive order that bars state agencies from cooperating with other states’ abortion investigations and says extradition attempts in those cases would be denied.
What’s in effect: A 1993 law signed by a Republican governor affirms the right to abortion before the fetus is viable. Abortion is allowed after viability if the health or life of the patient is at risk, or if the pregnancy is no longer viable. Nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other medical professionals may perform abortions.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: No major changes are expected unless Republican former Gov. Paul LePage unseats Mills in her reelection bid and Republicans take control of both chambers of the Legislature.
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MARYLAND
Political control: Maryland’s General Assembly is controlled by Democrats who expanded abortion access this year by ending a restriction that only physicians can provide them and requiring most insurance plans to cover abortion care without cost. The legislature overrode Republican Gov. Larry Hogan’s veto of the bill in April.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Nothing changed immediately.
What’s in effect: State law prohibits restrictions to abortion prior to viability. The state approved legislation in 1991 to protect abortion rights if the U.S. Supreme Court ever restricted access; voters approved that right in 1992. Some nurse practitioners, nurse midwives and physician assistants already have received training on medication abortion.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Hogan, who will leave office due to term limits in January, has said he will not advance state funds to train non-physicians to provide abortions before it’s required next year.
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MASSACHUSETTS
Political control: Democrats control the Massachusetts Legislature and support access to abortion, as does the state’s Republican governor, although they differ on specific policies.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Gov. Charlie Baker signed an executive order on June 24 barring state agencies from assisting another state’s investigation into people or businesses for receiving or delivering reproductive health services that are legal in Massachusetts. The state also won’t cooperate with extradition requests from other states pursuing criminal charges. Just over a month later, Baker signed into law a measure intended to protect access to abortion and expand access to emergency contraceptives.
What’s in effect: Recent changes to Massachusetts law allows abortions after 24 weeks of pregnancy in cases where the child would not survive after birth, and lowers from 18 to 16 the age at which women can seek an abortion without consent from a parent or guardian.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: In liberal Massachusetts, restrictions are unlikely to be adopted.
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MICHIGAN
Political control: Both chambers of Michigan’s Legislature are controlled by Republicans who want to ban or restrict abortion access. The Democratic governor, who is up for reelection this year, supports access.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Abortion remains legal in Michigan after a state judge issued a preliminary injunction in May blocking immediate enforcement of a 1931 law banning nearly all abortions. Michigan’s Legislature has appealed the decision. Abortion rights activists have taken steps to bring a constitutional amendment before voters on the November ballot. The amendment would affirm the right to make pregnancy-related decisions without interference, including about abortion and reproductive services such as birth control.
What’s in effect: The temporary injunction, which stems from a Planned Parenthood lawsuit, blocked the 1931 law from going into effect and has kept abortion legal for now.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: The state’s election bureau and board of canvassers still need to verify and validate that the Reproductive Freedom for All ballot initiative submitted at least 425,000 valid signatures before the constitutional amendment officially makes the ballot. The issue is also expected to shape legislative and statewide elections this fall; the Democratic governor and attorney general have made abortion rights a centerpiece of their reelection campaigns.
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MINNESOTA
Political control: Anti-abortion Republicans control the Senate and Democrats hold the House, but the majorities are slim. Democratic Gov. Tim Walz is stressing his support for abortion rights as he seeks another term.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Minnesota abortion clinics are starting to see a surge of out-of-state patients. On July 11, a state judge further eased access to abortion by striking down as unconstitutional several restrictions such as a 24-hour waiting period and parental notification.
What’s in effect: A Minnesota Supreme Court ruling from 1995 says the state constitution protects abortion rights. Minnesota allows abortions up to the point of viability, typically 24 weeks. However, some legal experts have questioned whether that cutoff would stand up in court.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Democrats are making abortion rights a major issue as they seek to hold the governor’s office and House and take control of the Senate. Some Republican candidates are notably trying to downplay the issue.
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MISSISSIPPI
Political control: Mississippi’s Republican-controlled Legislature and Republican governor have pushed for years to ban or restrict access to abortions. A 2018 Mississippi law to ban abortions after 15 weeks was the basis of the case that the U.S. Supreme Court used to overturn Roe v. Wade.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Mississippi’s only abortion clinic, Jackson Women’s Health Organization, did its final abortions July 6 and has permanently closed. The clinic owner said she is selling the building and the clinic’s lawyers have withdrawn a lawsuit challenging a trigger law that bans most abortions.
What’s in effect: The trigger law passed in 2007 is in effect. It allows abortions only if a patient’s life is in danger or if a pregnancy was caused by a rape that was reported to law enforcement.
Clinics offering abortions? No.
What’s next: Republican House Speaker Philip Gunn says he will oppose any effort to allow abortion for pregnancies caused by incest because he believes life begins at conception.
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MISSOURI
Political control: Both GOP Gov. Mike Parson and the Republican-led General Assembly support laws against abortion.
What’s happened since Dobbs: A 2019 trigger ban on most abortions went into effect.
What’s in effect: The ban makes abortions illegal “except in cases of medical emergency.” Performing illegal abortions is punishable by 5 to 15 years in prison.
Clinics offering abortions? No.
What’s next: The city of St. Louis proposed a $1 million fund to help residents travel to neighboring Illinois for abortions, but Missouri Attorney General Schmitt has sued to block it.
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MONTANA
Political control: The Republicans who control the Montana Legislature and Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte want to limit access to abortion.
What’s happened since Dobbs: The Montana Republican Party updated its party platform to say it opposes all elective abortions. The party rejected a proposal to include an exception for rape or incest.
What’s in effect: Montana law used to say abortion is legal up until viability, or about 24 weeks of pregnancy. The state Legislature passed a bill in 2021 to reduce that to 20 weeks, arguing that is when the fetus can feel pain. That law, along with one that requires chemical abortions to be done with in-person medical supervision, are being challenged in court. A state judge temporarily blocked enforcement in October 2021 while the challenges move through the courts. The state has asked the Montana Supreme Court to vacate that injunction and overturn a 1999 Montana Supreme Court opinion that found the state’s constitutional right to privacy guarantees a woman’s access to abortion care.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: The Montana Supreme Court will issue a decision on the preliminary injunction. The Montana Legislature also passed a referendum to ask voters this November whether they support a state law to require abortion providers to give lifesaving treatment to a fetus that is born alive after a botched abortion. Opponents argue federal law already offers those protections.
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NEBRASKA
Political control: Nebraska has a Republican governor who favors a full abortion ban with no exceptions for rape or incest. The officially nonpartisan one-chamber Legislature is dominated by lawmakers who identify as Republicans.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Nebraska law has not changed.
What’s in effect: Abortion remains legal up to 20 weeks of pregnancy in Nebraska. Those seeking an abortion must receive counseling and wait 24 hours before getting an abortion. People under 19 must have parental consent to undergo an abortion.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Gov. Pete Ricketts remains noncommittal about calling a special session to address abortion, despite many Republican lawmakers pushing to outlaw the procedure. Abortion opponents don’t appear to have the 33-vote supermajority needed to overcome a filibuster waged by abortion-rights supporters.
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NEVADA
Political control: Nevada’s governor and state attorney general are Democrats who are up for reelection this year. Democrats control the state Senate and Assembly.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Abortion has become a campaign issue in top state and federal races, and Gov. Steve Sisolak has signed an executive order to protect access to abortion for residents and those from other states.
What’s in effect: Nevada voters enshrined the right to abortion in state law in 1990. A pregnancy can be terminated during the first 24 weeks, and after that to preserve the life or health of the pregnant person. It would take a statewide vote to change or repeal the law. Most Republican candidates for statewide posts say they oppose abortion.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Anti-abortion advocates are not expected to try to repeal Nevada’s abortion law. They have said they’ll seek laws requiring waiting periods, mandatory counseling or parental consent.
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NEW HAMPSHIRE
Political control: New Hampshire has a Republican governor and the GOP controls the 424-member Legislature. All legislative seats are up for election in November.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Legislative Democrats have urged Gov. Chris Sununu, who calls himself “pro-choice” to call a special session to codify abortion rights in state law. Sununu and Republican legislative leaders say there’s no need.
What’s in effect: Under a law that went into effect this year, abortion is allowed until 24 weeks of pregnancy, later for the health or life of the patient or if the fetus has been diagnosed with “abnormalities incompatible with life.”
Clinics offering abortion? Yes.
What’s next: Republican lawmakers are divided over whether the state should further restrict abortions.
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NEW JERSEY
Political control: Democrats control both houses of the state Legislature. Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy started his second consecutive term this year.
What’s happened since Dobbs: A week after the Supreme Court’s ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, Murphy signed into law two bills aimed at protecting the right to abortion for out-of-state residents and barring extradition to states that have prohibited the procedure. The governor also signed a state budget that includes $45 million to expand family planning and abortion services and security upgrades for clinics. Acting Attorney General Matthew Platkin and U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger of New Jersey on July 20 announced a partnership to share intelligence about threats to clinics and patients.
Clinics offering abortions: Yes.
What’s next: The state’s Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness is preparing to distribute money from the $5 million Reproductive Health Security Grant program.
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NEW MEXICO
Political control: The Democrats who control the New Mexico Legislature support access to abortion, as does the state’s Democratic governor. Several conservative Democratic state senators who voted against the repeal of the abortion ban in 2019 were ousted from office in 2020 by more socially progressive primary challengers.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Soon after the ruling, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order protecting abortion access. The order seeks to block New Mexico providers from being punished in other states for providing abortions to residents of other states.
What’s in effect: Abortion is legal in New Mexico, even in the third trimester.
Clinics offering abortions: Yes.
What’s next: The owner of the Jackson Women’s Health Organization at the center of the Dobbs decision plans to open a clinic in the city of Las Cruces, near Texas. Conservative counties are considering anti-abortion resolutions that say clinics are not welcomed. Abortion has taken center stage in the gubernatorial campaign.
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NEW YORK
Political control: The Democrats who control the New York Legislature support access to abortion, as does the state’s Democratic governor.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $25 million to expand access to abortion services and $10 million in grants to provide security at clinics. Less that two weeks before Dobbs, she signed other measures intended to protect abortion access.
What’s in effect: Abortion is legal in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, and after that to preserve the patient’s life or health or if the fetus isn’t viable.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Some abortion rights advocates are pushing lawmakers to begin the process of passing a constitutional amendment to protect access to abortion.
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NORTH CAROLINA
Political control: Republicans hold majorities in both chambers of the state’s General Assembly. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper supports abortion rights, but his veto power could be nullified if Republicans win more seats in November.
What’s happened since Dobbs: On the day of the ruling, Republican legislative leaders asked Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein, an abortion rights supporter, to demand a federal court lift an injunction on a 1973 state law that banned most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Stein declined. Cooper has signed an executive order that shields out-of-state abortion patients from extradition and prohibits state agencies from assisting other states’ prosecutions of those who travel to North Carolina for the procedure.
What’s in effect: A 2019 federal court ruling, affirmed last year by the 4th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, extended the right to an abortion in North Carolina until fetal viability, which typically falls between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. An abortion can be still be performed after viability in certain medical emergencies.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Republican General Assembly leaders have signaled that Stein’s inaction on the 20-week abortion ban injunction might lead them to petition the court on their own. A federal judge could also consider reinstating the ban without lawmaker involvement. The Republican party will likely intensify its efforts in this year’s elections to gain the five additional seats it needs for a veto-proof supermajority. Cooper and other Democrats already are making abortion rights a key campaign issue. Abortion politics also are expected to figure in two state Supreme Court elections in November. Republicans would gain a majority on the court if they win at least one.
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NORTH DAKOTA
Political control: North Dakota has a legislature dominated by Republicans who want to ban abortion, and the GOP governor had wanted Roe v. Wade wiped off the books in favor of state’s rights.
What’s happened since Dobbs: The ruling triggered a 2007 law to ban most abortions, but a judge blocked enforcement on July 27, the day before it was to kick in.
What’s in effect: Under current law, abortions are legal in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy and after that in the case of rape, incest, or to protect the life of the patient.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: The state’s only clinic, the Red River Women’s Clinic in Fargo, is fighting implementation of the ban and plans to move to Moorhead, Minnesota, if abortion is outlawed. The order putting enforcement on hold gave the clinic a reprieve.
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OHIO
Political control: Both legislative chambers are controlled by Republicans. Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, an abortion opponent, is seeking reelection.
What’s happened since Dobbs: A ban on abortions after the first detectable fetal cardiac activity has taken effect. Clinics dropped a federal lawsuit challenging the law and have filed a challenge under the Ohio Constitution. Republican Attorney General Dave Yost is fighting them.
What’s in effect: A law prohibiting most abortions once fetal cardiac activity is detected except when the patient’s life is threatened or their health is at significant risk.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Republican lawmakers will move for a total abortion ban after the November election. Some support recently introduced legislation declaring “personhood” begins at conception. Statehouse plans may change if the Ohio Supreme Court allows the clinics’ state constitutional challenge to proceed.
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OKLAHOMA
Political control: Republicans in Oklahoma have a supermajority in both chambers of the Legislature and a Republican governor up for reelection this year who has vowed to sign “every pro-life legislation that came across my desk.”
What’s happened since Dobbs: Abortion services were halted in the state in May after Gov. Kevin Stitt signed law blocking all abortions with few exceptions. The ruling also triggered another law outlawing abortion.
What’s in effect: Abortions are allowed only to protect the life of the patient in a law that’s enforced through civil lawsuits rather than criminal charges.
Clinics offering abortions? No.
What’s next: Abortion providers have shifted to helping patients get abortions in other states.
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OREGON
Political control: The Democrats who control the Oregon Legislature support access to abortion, as does the state’s Democratic governor.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Gov. Kate Brown has said she will protect abortion access for all.
What’s in effect: Oregon does not have any major abortion restrictions and it is legal at all stages of pregnancy.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Democratic lawmakers have formed a group to make recommendations to expand access to all forms of reproductive care.
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PENNSYLVANIA
Political control: Republicans who control the Pennsylvania Legislature are hostile to abortion rights, but the state’s Democratic governor is a strong supporter and has vetoed three GOP-penned bills in five years. The race for governor this year could tilt that balance.
What’s happened since Dobbs: No changes in the law or major court battles.
What’s in effect: Pennsylvania allows abortions up to 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: In November, voters will decide on a new governor between the state’s Democratic attorney general, Josh Shapiro, who supports abortion rights, and Republican state Sen. Doug Mastriano, who supports banning abortion with no exceptions. The Legislature is expected to remain in Republican hands. The state Supreme Court is considering a lawsuit filed by Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers aiming to overturn a 1982 law that bans the use of state dollars for abortion, except in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother. Republican lawmakers are advancing a proposal to amend the state constitution to declare there is no constitutional right to an abortion or to public funding for an abortion. The proposal could go before voters as early as May 2023.
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RHODE ISLAND
Political control: Democrats who control Rhode Island’s General Assembly support access to abortion, as does the Democratic governor.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Gov. Daniel McKee signed an executive order prohibiting state agencies from cooperating with other states’ investigations into people who travel to Rhode Island for abortions or health care providers that perform them.
What’s in effect: A 2019 law enshrined abortion protections in the state. The law says Rhode Island cannot restrict abortion prior to fetal viability or after if it is necessary to protect the health or life of the patient.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Legislative leaders have said they would address abortion insurance coverage for state employees and people in the Medicaid program in 2023.
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SOUTH CAROLINA
Political control: Both the House and Senate are controlled by Republicans, but they are a few seats short of a two-thirds majority. Republican Gov. Henry McMaster is up for reelection and Democratic opponent Joe Cunningham has said his veto of any stricter abortion bill would likely stick.
What’s happened since Dobbs: The state’s 2021 ban on abortion once cardiac activity is detected — typically around six weeks after fertilization — was allowed to go into effect. A Republican-dominated special House committee is working on a bill to ban all abortions unless the life of the mother is at risk.
What’s in effect: What’s in effect: South Carolina bans abortion after an ultrasound detects cardiac activity. There are exceptions for pregnancies cause by rape or incest, or when the life of the mother is in danger.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Lawmakers are planning special sessions to consider stricter abortion laws.
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SOUTH DAKOTA:
Political control: Republicans hold supermajorities in both legislative chambers. Republican Gov. Kristi Noem is up for reelection this year and is an ardent opponent of abortion rights.
What’s happened since Dobbs: A trigger law took effect banning abortion in South Dakota except to save the life of a pregnant woman. Some conservatives had wanted to do more, including trying to stop organizations or companies from paying for women to travel out of state for an abortion, but Noem – who had initially been eager to call a special session – announced in July that any action could wait until the regular session in 2023. Meanwhile, abortion rights supporters are considering a possible campaign for a ballot initiative aimed at overturning the state abortion ban or making it less restrictive.
What’s in effect: Abortion is illegal in South Dakota except to save the life of the mother.
Clinics offering abortions? No.
What’s next: Possible legislative action in 2023 aimed at making it more difficult for South Dakota residents to obtain abortion care elsewhere. Abortion rights supporters may to take the issue directly to voters to undo the ban.
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TENNESSEE
Political control: Tennessee has a Republican governor who is consistently vocal about his opposition to abortion. The GOP holds a supermajority in the General Assembly and has steadily chipped away at abortion access. Voters approved an amendment in 2014 declaring that the state constitution does not protect or secure the right to abortion or require it to be funded.
What’s happened since Dobbs: A court allowed enforcement of a law, adopted in 2020, that bans abortions after fetal cardiac activity is detected.
What’s in effect: The so-called “heartbeat” ban has exceptions only to prevent death or major health risks.
Clinics offering abortions? Most are not.
What’s next: An even more stringent ban triggered by the Dobbs ruling is to take effect in late August.
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TEXAS
Political control: The GOP has commanding majorities in the Texas Legislature and has controlled every statewide office for nearly 30 years. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott is up for reelection in November and is favored to win a third term.
What’s happened since Dobbs: The fall of Roe put in motion a trigger law to ban virtually all abortions starting in August. In the meantime, there has been litigation over whether a 1925 state abortion ban can be enforced.
What’s in effect: A 2021 law bans abortions once fetal cardiac activity can be detected, normally around six weeks.
Clinics offering abortions? No.
What’s next: There are legal questions to be settled about which ban is in effect, but nearly all abortions are expected to be illegal soon in the nation’s second most populous state. Some Republican lawmakers are also looking for ways to punish companies that help Texas-based employees get abortions elsewhere, although it’s not clear how much support that would have in the 2023 legislative session.
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UTAH
Political control: Utah is deeply conservative and the Legislature is controlled by a Republican supermajority.
What’s happened since Dobbs: A trigger law banning nearly all abortions was put into effect and then paused by a court amid a legal challenge. Meanwhile, a court allowed a 2021 ban on abortions after 18 weeks to be enforced.
What’s in effect: Abortions after 18 weeks are banned except in cases of rape and incest if those crimes are reported to law enforcement, and if there’s a serious risk to the life or health of the mother, as well as confirmed lethal birth defects.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: A court will decide whether the near-total ban is allowed under Utah’s state constitution.
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VERMONT
Political control: Democrats control both the House and Senate of the Vermont Legislature. Republican Gov. Phil Scott is a firm supporter of abortion rights.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Vermont has doubled down on its commitment to abortion rights. In 2019, the Vermont Legislature passed a law guaranteeing abortion rights in anticipation of the possible overturning of Roe. At the same time, the state began the process of amending the state constitution to protect abortion rights. The proposal must be passed by two consecutively elected legislatures, a process that was completed in February 2022. The final step in the process is a statewide referendum, scheduled for November.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: The vote on the Reproductive Liberty Amendment will be held Nov. 8.
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WASHINGTON
Political control: The Democrats who control the Washington Legislature support access to abortion, as does the state’s Democratic governor.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Gov. Jay Inslee issued a directive barring the Washington State Patrol from cooperating with other state’s investigations related to abortions.
What’s in effect: Abortion is legal in Washington until viability, and after in cases where the patent’s health or life is threatened.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Democratic officials say they’ll keep looking for ways to preserve access to abortion services for people within the state and who travel from places with restrictions.
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WEST VIRGINIA
Political control: West Virginia’s Legislature is controlled by Republicans who want to ban or restrict access to abortions. Gov. Jim Justice, a Republican, opposes abortion access and has signed two anti-abortion laws since taking office in 2017.
What’s happened since Dobbs: The state’s only abortion clinic initially closed out of concern that the staff could be prosecuted under an abortion law that dates to the 1800s. But the Women’s Health Center of West Virginia, in Charleston, announced it would challenge the law and resumed offering abortions. The state’s House of Delegates on July 27 passed a sweeping abortion ban that the Senate amended two days later. The House rejected those amendments and sent the bill to a conference committee. Both chambers adjourned but could be called back in August.
What’s in effect: Abortion is legal in the first 20 weeks of gestation, longer in cases where the patient’s life or health is at risk. Other restrictions include a 24-hour waiting period, required counseling to discourage abortion, parental permission for minors; a ban on the use of telemedicine to administer a medication abortion; and prohibition of abortions on the grounds that the child will be born with a disability.
Clinics offering abortions? Yes.
What’s next: Whether the old nearly total ban can be enforced is playing out in courts. At the same time, lawmakers are forging ahead with consideration of a new nearly total ban.
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WISCONSIN
Political control: Wisconsin’s Legislature is controlled by Republicans who want to ban or restrict access to abortions, but the Democratic governor supports access and is up for reelection this year.
What’s happened since Dobbs: Abortion clinics have stopped performing the procedure in Wisconsin under an 1849 law that banned abortions except to save a mother’s life. Attorney General Josh Kaul, a Democrat, has filed a lawsuit in state court challenging the ban. He argues that a 1985 state law prohibiting abortion after a fetus can survive outside the womb trumps the older law. While that lawsuit is pending, anti-abortion groups have said they will work with the Republican-controlled Legislature next year to update or replace the 1849 law.
What’s in effect: Possibly the 1849 ban on all abortions except to save a woman’s life.
Clinics offering abortions? No.
What’s next: The attorney general’s lawsuit against the 1849 law is pending in Dane County.
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WYOMING
Political control: Wyoming has one of the most Republican Legislatures in the U.S. and a Republican governor who in March approved a trigger law banning nearly all abortions.
What’s happened since Dobbs: A trigger ban on nearly all abortions took effect on July 27, only to have enforcement blocked by a court the same day.
What’s in effect: With enforcement of the new law blocked, Wyoming allows abortions until a fetus would survive outside its mother’s body, around 23 weeks. The new law banning abortion only provides exceptions in cases of rape or incest or to protect the mother’s life or health, not including psychological conditions.
Clinics offering abortions: No.
What’s next: Legal arguments will continue on the challenge to the more stringent ban brought by four women and two nonprofits who argue it violates the state constitution. The plaintiffs include organizers of a women’s health and abortion clinic that was damaged in a May 2022 arson attack.
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Associated Press reporters from across the U.S. contributed.
