When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, it meant that abortion was no longer a federal constitutional right. Instead, each state’s government now gets to decide whether abortion will be legal in that state.
If you’re wondering where each state currently stands on abortion, read on. Or, if you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and want to talk to someone about your options, contact Dove Medical to schedule a free, confidential appointment.
Where States Stand Today
At the time of this writing, the legality of abortion is a complicated issue, and many states’ abortion laws are currently in flux.
Right now, the states are divided on abortion as follows:
States With Abortion Bans
The following states fully ban abortion in almost all cases:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- West Virginia
These states ban abortion once the pregnancy is anywhere from 6 to 18 weeks gestation (the time since your last menstrual period):
- Arizona
- Florida
- Georgia
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Utah
States Where Abortion Is Legal
The following states have made abortion legal, and the states with an asterisk have added new legal protections for abortion:
- Alaska
- California*
- Colorado*
- Hawaii*
- Illinois*
- Kansas
- Maine*
- Maryland*
- Massachusetts*
- Michigan*
- Minnesota*
- Nevada*
- New Jersey*
- New Mexico*
- New York*
- Ohio
- Oregon*
- Pennsylvania*
- Virginia
- Washington*
- Wisconsin
What This Means for You
If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering abortion, it’s legal here in Oregon. However, it’s essential to learn all you can about abortion to protect your health.
Abortion Risks
Abortion comes with potential risks to your physical and mental health.
Physical risks of medical abortion (also known as the “abortion pill”) include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
The abortion drugs are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks gestation or under. Your chance of experiencing one of the above risks is higher if your pregnancy is further along.
Physical risks of surgical abortion include:
- Uterine perforation (which is when the surgical instruments poke a hole in your uterus)
- Uterine scarring (which can cause painful periods or future infertility)
- Cervical damage
- Infection
Both types of abortion are also associated with risks to your mental health. Recent studies have found that at least some women experience depression, anxiety, regret, and other adverse mental health outcomes after an abortion.
How to Protect Your Health
Before seeking an abortion or making any other pregnancy decision, it’s critical to learn key details about your pregnancy by getting an ultrasound. This simple scan will help you protect your health by giving you the following information:
- Pregnancy age: This is essential if you’re considering abortion.
- Pregnancy location: This rules out an ectopic pregnancy, which is a life-threatening emergency.
- Pregnancy viability: Roughly 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, and it’s possible to have one without immediate signs.
We’re Here for You
Dove Medical offers free lab-quality pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, and medically accurate information about your pregnancy options. We believe every woman deserves to have what she needs to make an informed decision.
Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential appointment.
This post is for education and information purposes only and does not substitute the advice of a Healthcare professional.
Dove Medical offers pregnancy diagnosis, decision coaching, and accurate information about all pregnancy options; however, we do not refer for or perform abortion services including the abortion pill.