How many states is abortion illegal in the US?

Asked by: scraper  |  Last update: August 3, 2026
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Abortion is currently banned in 13 states. These states generally prohibit the procedure entirely at all stages of pregnancy, though most maintain extremely limited exceptions for medical emergencies, and in some cases, instances of rape or incest.

Will abortion be illegal in all states?

On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, eliminating the federal constitutional standard that had protected the right to abortion. Without any federal standard regarding abortion access, states will set their own policies to ban or protect abortion.

What are the 13 states that banned abortion?

Thirteen states currently enforce total or near-total abortion bans at all stages of pregnancy, generally with only very narrow exceptions to prevent the death or preserve the physical health of the pregnant person:

Is abortion banned in the United States?

There is no nationwide abortion ban in the United States; instead, abortion laws and restrictions vary entirely by state. The legality of the procedure is determined at the state level following the 2022 Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Can a 22 weeks pregnancy be aborted?

If you're more than 22 weeks pregnant, the abortion usually requires a two-stage procedure. In stage 1, you'll be given an injection to stop the heartbeat of the fetus and medication to soften the cervix (opening of the womb). Stage 2 is carried out the following day.

23 related questions found

Are abortion pills legal in Florida?

Abortion pills are legal in Florida, but they are strictly restricted to the first six weeks of pregnancy and require an in-person doctor visit.

What is the most abortion friendly state?

In a recent ranking by the Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR), Oregon was chosen as the best state for women's reproductive rights, and for good reason.

What is the latest you can get an abortion in the US?

In the United States, the legal limit for an abortion depends entirely on the state where you receive care. While some states have total bans or limit abortions to the first 6 weeks of pregnancy, jurisdictions like Alaska, Colorado, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C., have no gestational limits.

How many states had abortion trigger laws?

Of those 26 states, 13 have laws in place that are designed to be "triggered" and take effect automatically or by quick state action if Roe no longer applies—Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.

What states give free abortions?

States with no abortion ban allow the procedure without gestational limits or permit it up to the point of fetal viability (around 24 weeks). As of 2026, these states include Alaska, Colorado, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

Do men regret abortions?

But the reality is, as you've read examples throughout this article, men can feel deep pain, regret, and grief after abortion, too. Our research found that 71% of men experienced negative emotional changes after a pregnancy they were part of ended in abortion.

Can you get an abortion in Ohio in 2026?

Yes, abortion is legal in Ohio. Thanks to a constitutional amendment protecting reproductive decision-making, you can legally obtain an abortion in the state up to 21 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy.

What state has the easiest abortion laws?

States with the most permissive abortion laws allow abortion throughout pregnancy with no gestational limits, use state funds to ensure access, and enforce "shield laws" protecting patients and out-of-state providers from prosecution.

What if I am 3 months pregnant and I don't want the baby?

At three months (roughly 12-13 weeks) pregnant, you still have options if you do not want to continue the pregnancy. These include abortion (medical or surgical) or adoption. It is essential to act quickly, as legal restrictions and procedure types depend on how far along you are. Consult a healthcare provider or a clinic like Planned Parenthood immediately.

Can you go to a different state for an abortion?

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating complex abortion laws across different states. If you are thinking about traveling to another state for an abortion, you can. However, there are important things to consider before you decide.

What states still allow abortion?

Abortion remains legal in more than 30 states and the District of Columbia, though the gestational limits, waiting periods, and specific regulations vary significantly by jurisdiction.

What states have the most abortions?

States with the highest total number of abortions are predominantly large, populous states with fewer restrictions. According to national data from the Guttmacher Institute, the states performing the highest volume of abortions are California, New York, Illinois, and Florida.

What 13 states have a total abortion ban?

Thirteen states currently enforce total or near-total abortion bans at all stages of pregnancy, generally with only very narrow exceptions to prevent the death or preserve the physical health of the pregnant person:

Can you still get an abortion at 4 months pregnant?

You can use abortion pills (also called medication abortion) up to 84 days (12 weeks) after the first day of your last period. You can get an in-clinic abortion until 24 weeks (or later in some cases, for medical reasons).

Can a 24 weeks pregnancy be aborted?

Yes, you can get an abortion at 24 weeks, but access is highly restricted depending on where you live. At this stage, it is only available in certain states, or for severe medical reasons.

How late can you terminate a Down syndrome pregnancy?

The timeframe for terminating a pregnancy due to a Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) diagnosis depends entirely on where you live. In regions where the procedure is legally accessible, a termination can generally be performed up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, and in some locations, up to the third trimester or full-term.

What state has the harshest abortion laws?

Several states tie for having the strictest abortion laws in the U.S. by enforcing near-total bans at all stages of pregnancy with no exceptions for rape or incest. These states are:

What state has the least amount of abortions?

Following the 2022 Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Missouri and South Dakota have reported the lowest abortion rates in the U.S., with many other states having enacted near-total bans. Earlier, pre-2022 data often cited Wyoming, Utah, or South Dakota as having the lowest rates.

What are the safest states to get an abortion?

Several of those states–California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington-have been strengthening abortion protections to help meet a rise in demand by individuals who might travel from out-of-state for care.