Roe v Wade overturned: In which states will abortion be made illegal?

Several states have already introduced legislation that will ban abortions
Abortion-rights activists march toward the White House after the Supreme Court overturns Roe v Wade
Getty Images
Seren Morris1 July 2022

The US Supreme Court has overturned the landmark Roe v Wade ruling, allowing states to introduce new restrictions or bans on abortion.

Since 1973, a woman’s right to abortion has been protected by the US consitution, following the US Supreme Court Roe v Wade ruling.

The case granted women the absolute right to abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy. Some government regulation was allowed in the second trimester, and states could restrict or ban abortions in the third trimester. Roe v Wade also allowed women to get an abortion in the third trimester if doctors deemed it necessary to save her life or her health.

Now that Roe v Wade has been overturned, individual states are now able to ban or severely restrict abortions.

While several states have protections in place that will allow women to continue accessing safe and legal abortions, many states have immediately banned the procedure, and others are expected to do so imminently.

In which states will abortion be made illegal?

At least 20 states are expected to introduce new restrictions or bans, while some have already outlawed abortion following the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Abortion is now banned or mostly banned in the following states:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Montana
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • South Dakota
  • Texas
  • Utah

Abortion will soon be banned in the following states:

  • Idaho
  • Mississippi
  • North Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Wyoming

Abortion will likely be made illegal in the following states:

  • Georgia
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • South Dakota
  • West Virginia

Greg Abbott, the Governor of Texas, said in a statement: “The U.S. Supreme Court correctly overturned Roe v. Wade and reinstated the right of states to protect innocent, unborn children.

Texas is a pro-life state, and we have taken significant action to protect the sanctity of life. Texas has also prioritized supporting women’s healthcare and expectant mothers in need to give them the necessary resources so that they can choose life for their child.

“Texas will always fight for the innocent unborn, and I will continue working with the Texas legislature and all Texans to save every child from the ravages of abortion and help our expectant mothers in need."

Where will abortion remain legal?

Many states are very likely to continue to protect a woman’s right to abortion, including the following:

  • Alaska
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • District of Columbia
  • Hawaii
  • Illinois
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Minnesota
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • Oregon
  • Rhode Island
  • Vermont
  • Washington

The future of abortion rights in the following states is currently uncertain:

  • Arizona
  • Florida
  • Kansas
  • Michigan
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • North Carolina
  • Pennsylvania
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin

The legality of abortion in these states depends on a number of factors, such as upcoming elections.

Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, said: “Abortion is legal in California.

“It will remain that way. I just signed a bill that makes our state a safe haven for women across the nation.

“We will not cooperate with any states that attempt to prosecute women or doctors for receiving or providing reproductive care.”

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, President Joe Biden said: “It’s a sad day for the country.

“Nearly 50 years ago, Roe vs. Wade was decided. Today, the Supreme Court of the United States expressly took away a constitutional right from the American people.

“Personal freedoms are on the ballot this fall.”

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