Abortion legality varies widely by location, especially within the United States:
United States
- Legal with limits or broadly legal : In about 21 states and Washington, D.C., abortion is protected by state law, often up to fetal viability (around 24 weeks) or later. States like California, New York, Illinois, and Oregon have laws protecting abortion access and shielding patients and providers from restrictions in other states
- Legal with no gestational limit : Some states, including Alaska, Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington, D.C., protect abortion rights without a specific gestational limit, often enshrined in state constitutions or laws
- Banned or heavily restricted : Around 19 to 21 states have banned or severely restricted abortion, often banning it except in very limited circumstances. These include Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia. Some states have bans effective immediately or after very early pregnancy stages, such as six weeks
- In flux : The legal landscape is changing, with ongoing court challenges and ballot measures that may expand or restrict access in various states
Global Context
Worldwide, abortion laws vary significantly, with some countries recognizing abortion rights as fundamental human rights and others imposing strict bans or limitations. The trend in many places is toward expanding access and legal protections
Summary
- Abortion is legal and protected in many U.S. states, often up to viability or without gestational limits.
- It is banned or heavily restricted in about 20 states, with some allowing exceptions only in extreme cases.
- The situation is dynamic, with legal battles and voter initiatives shaping access.
- Globally, abortion laws differ widely, with a growing recognition of abortion rights in many countries
