Updated on Aug. 3 with the latest regulations around abortion.
In June, the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade in a 5-4 decision. The ruling eliminates the constitutional right to an abortion. And leaves abortion access up to the states to decide. And with 50 states using different laws, it can be hard to keep track of what's allowed here, but no longer allowed there.
Before we dive into how each state is handling abortion, here are some key phrases to keep in mind:
Fetal viability: A fetus’ ability to survive outside of the womb. The standard is about 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy.
LMP: Last menstrual period.
Medication abortion: Aka the method, which uses medication to end a pregnancy. It’s FDA-approved and can be prescribed either in person or virtually (depending on your state). Abortion restrictions listed below refer to surgical abortions.
Post-fertilization age: How old a fetus is from the moment of conception. (When the egg meets the sperm.) However, many medical pros and the CDC count the fetus’s age from the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period. (And each state handles it differently. Read this to learn more about the differences.)
Trigger law: An almost-total abortion ban that goes almost immediately into effect when Roe’s overturned.
Now, here’s what abortion access looks like across the nation…
Alabama
What restrictions are in place?
Abortion is banned after conception. Providing an abortion is a felony, punishable by up to 99 years in prison.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. But it must be prescribed by a licensed physician and administered in person.
Alaska
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are allowed at all stages of pregnancy. But patients have to complete mandatory counseling. There’s no mandatory waiting period after counseling. And parental consent for minors isn’t required.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. It can only be prescribed by a licensed physician. But it can be administered either in person or via telehealth.
Arizona
What restrictions are in place?
For now, abortions are prohibited at fetal viability (around 24 weeks). But Arizona has passed a 15-week abortion ban that is set to take effect in September. Patients must receive counseling, and then wait 24 hours before getting the procedure. Minors also need parental consent.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. But they can only be prescribed by a licensed physician. And the physician must be physically present when giving the meds. The state has a ban on telehealth prescriptions for abortion meds.
Arkansas
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are banned after conception. Providers who perform or attempt to perform an abortion will be hit with a felony charge, up to a $100,000 fine or up to 10 years in prison.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. But it must be prescribed by a licensed physician and given in person, since the state bans telehealth appointments for medication abortions.
California
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are prohibited at fetal viability. There’s no counseling or waiting requirement. And minors don’t need their parents to sign off.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Either in person or via telehealth. Advanced practice clinicians (like registered nurses and physician assistants) are allowed to prescribe, along with licensed physicians.
Colorado
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are allowed at all stages of pregnancy. But parents of minors must be notified about the procedure.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Either in person or virtually. Both advanced practice clinicians and licensed physicians can prescribe.
Connecticut
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are prohibited at fetal viability. There’s no counseling or waiting requirement. And minors don’t need parental consent.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Either in person or using telehealth. Both advanced practice clinicians and licensed physicians are cleared to prescribe.
Delaware
What restrictions are in place?
The procedure is banned at fetal viability. Parents of minors must be notified — but some health professionals can waive their involvement in certain instances (like a medical emergency, or if the minor is a victim of abuse or neglect). There’s no counseling requirement or waiting period.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: Yes.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Either an advanced practice clinician or physician can prescribe. And it can be administered either in person or virtually.
District of Columbia
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are allowed at all stages of pregnancy. There’s no mandatory waiting period or counseling. And parental consent for minors isn’t required.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Either an advanced practice clinician or physician can prescribe. And it can be done in person or virtually.
Florida
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are banned at 15 weeks of pregnancy. Patients have to receive counseling, and then wait 24 hours before their procedure. Parents of minors must be notified and give consent.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: Yes.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. It can only be prescribed by a licensed physician. And given either in person or via telehealth.
Georgia
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are banned at six weeks of pregnancy. Patients must go through counseling, and then a 24-hour waiting period before getting the procedure. Parents of minors must be notified.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: Yes, but only if a police report has been filed.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Only licensed physicians can prescribe. And the meds can be given either in person or virtually.
Hawaii
What restrictions are in place?
The islands prohibit abortion at fetal viability. There’s no counseling or waiting requirement. And minors don’t need parental sign-off.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Both licensed physicians and advanced practice clinicians can prescribe and administer — in person or via telehealth.
Idaho
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are prohibited at fetal viability. Patients must receive counseling, and then wait 24 hours before getting the procedure. And parents of minors must give consent. But this could change later in August, depending on how certain challenges to the law net out. There's a six-week ban set to take effect around Aug. 19. And the state's trigger law — outlawing abortion in nearly all cases — could be in place starting Aug. 25. (We've got more on that here.)
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Only licensed physicians are able to prescribe. They can give the meds either in person or over telehealth.
Illinois
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are prohibited at fetal viability. No counseling, waiting period, or parental consent required.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Prescriptions can be written by advanced practice clinicians or physicians. And given in person or virtually.
Indiana
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions aren’t allowed 22 weeks past LMP. Counseling and an 18-hour waiting period are required. Plus, parents of minors must give consent.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Prescriptions can only be written by a licensed physician. Meds can only be given in person.
Iowa
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are also not allowed 22 weeks past LMP. Parents of minors must be notified. And patients must receive counseling and undergo a 24-hour waiting period.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Only licensed physicians can prescribe. But they administer them either in person or via telehealth.
Kansas
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions aren’t allowed 22 weeks past LMP. Patients must be counseled, and then wait 24 hours before having the procedure. Minors must also have parental consent. A woman’s right to an abortion is currently protected in the state’s constitution. And this isn't expected to change anytime soon: In August, voters overwhelmingly decided that the state constitution should continue to protect a woman's right to an abortion.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. But prescriptions must be done by a licensed professional. And meds must be given in person.
Kentucky
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are banned after conception. Providing an abortion is a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. But only licensed physicians can prescribe it. And they must be physically present with the patient when administering.
Louisiana
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are banned after conception. Making providing an abortion a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: Yes.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Licensed physicians are the only ones allowed to prescribe. And they have to administer it in person — since Louisiana doesn’t allow telemedicine for abortion.
Maine
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are allowed until fetal viability. There’s no counseling or waiting requirement. And minors don’t need parental consent.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Both advanced practice clinicians and physicians can prescribe. And administer either in person or virtually.
Maryland
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are prohibited at fetal viability. Parents must be notified for anyone under 18 — though some health professionals can waive that in certain instances. No counseling requirement or waiting period.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: Yes.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. A licensed professional can prescribe and give the meds either in person or virtually.
Massachusetts
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions aren’t allowed after 24 weeks of pregnancy. There’s no counseling or waiting requirement. But parental consent is required for those under 16.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: Yes.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Advanced practice clinicians or licensed physicians can write prescriptions. And both in person or telehealth are permitted.
Michigan
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are banned at fetal viability. Patients must receive counseling, and then wait 24 hours before getting the procedure. Minors must also have parental consent. This could change if a judge decides that prosecutors in the state can follow through on enforcing a pre-Roe ban. Which criminalizes abortions, except when a mother's life is at risk.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Only physicians can prescribe. But they can administer in person or virtually.
Minnesota
What restrictions are in place?
No abortions after fetal viability. As of July 11, patients no longer need to receive counseling or wait 24 hours before getting an abortion. And parents of minors no longer have to be notified.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Licensed physicians are allowed to prescribe and administer either in person or using telemedicine.
Mississippi
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are banned after conception. Anyone who performs or tries to perform an abortion will be charged with a felony — punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: Yes, for rape — if it’s been reported to law enforcement. No, for incest.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Only licensed physicians can prescribe. And they have to administer it in person.
Missouri
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are banned after conception. Performing an abortion is a felony punishable by five to 15 years in prison.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Licensed physicians are allowed to prescribe and administer it. And it has to be in person — since Missouri doesn’t allow telehealth for abortion.
Montana
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are prohibited at fetal viability. Parents of those under 16 must be given notice. There’s no counseling or waiting requirement.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Advanced practice clinicians or licensed physicians can prescribe and administer. And they can do so either in person or via telehealth.
Nebraska
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions aren’t allowed 22 weeks past LMP. Patients must undergo counseling. And wait 24 hours before getting the procedure. Parental consent is also needed for minors.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Licensed physicians are allowed to prescribe and administer in person.
Nevada
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions aren’t allowed 24 weeks after LMP. There’s no counseling or waiting requirement. And no parental sign-off needed for minors.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Only licensed professionals can prescribe and administer. But they can do so either in person or via telehealth.
New Hampshire
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions aren’t allowed 24 weeks after LMP. There’s no counseling or waiting requirement. But parents of minors must be notified.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Both advanced practice clinicians and physicians can prescribe. And the meds can be given either in person or via telehealth.
New Jersey
What restrictions are in place?
None. Abortions are allowed at all stages of pregnancy. There’s no counseling or waiting requirement. And minors don’t need parental consent.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. They can be prescribed and administered in person or via telehealth — by either an advanced practice clinician or physician.
New Mexico
What restrictions are in place?
None. Abortions are allowed at all stages of pregnancy. No counseling requirement, waiting period, or parental consent needed.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Advanced practice clinicians and physicians can prescribe. Both in-person and telehealth appointments are also allowed for administering the meds.
New York
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are prohibited at fetal viability. There’s no counseling or waiting requirement. And minors don’t need their parent’s to sign-off.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Both in-person and telehealth appointments are allowed for administering the meds. And prescriptions can be written by advanced practice clinicians and physicians.
North Carolina
What restrictions are in place?
No abortions allowed after fetal viability. Those getting the procedure need to get counseling and wait 72 hours after. Minors also need parental consent.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Only licensed physicians can prescribe. And the meds must be administered in person.
North Dakota
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions aren’t allowed 22 weeks after LMP. Patients must receive counseling, and then wait 24 hours before getting the procedure. Anyone under 18 must also have parental consent. The state's trigger law was set to go into effect in July, but a judge put it on hold. TBD if or when it could take effect.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Prescribers must be licensed physicians. And they must see patients in person to administer the meds.
Ohio
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are banned at six weeks of pregnancy. Patients must receive counseling, and then wait 24 hours before getting the procedure. Minors must also have parental consent.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Only physicians can prescribe it. And administering the meds can be done either in person or virtually.
Oklahoma
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are banned after conception. Performing an abortion is a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: Yes. But only if it’s been reported to law enforcement.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Only a licensed physician can prescribe it. And the meds must be given in person.
Oregon
What restrictions are in place?
None. Abortions are allowed at all stages of pregnancy. There’s no counseling or waiting requirement. And minors don’t need to get their parents involved.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Advanced practice clinicians and physicians can prescribe and administer — whether in person or online.
Pennsylvania
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions aren’t allowed 24 weeks after LMP. Counseling is required, along with a waiting period of 24 hours before the procedure. Minors also need parental consent.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Only physicians can prescribe it. But they can administer them in person or via telehealth.
Rhode Island
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are prohibited at fetal viability. There’s no counseling or waiting requirement. But minors need to get parental consent.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Advanced practice clinicians and physicians are cleared as prescribers. And they can administer the meds either in person or virtually.
South Carolina
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are banned at six weeks of pregnancy. Patients must receive counseling, and then wait 24 hours before getting the procedure. Minors under 17 must have parental consent.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: Yes.
In the case of rape or incest: Yes.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Only in-person appointments are allowed for prescriptions. And only licensed physicians can prescribe.
South Dakota
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are banned after conception. Providers who give or attempt the procedure will be charged with a felony.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Only physicians can prescribe. And the meds must be administered in person with the patient.
Tennessee
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are banned at six weeks of pregnancy. Waiting period isn’t in effect. But counseling is required. And minors must also have parental consent. But on Aug. 25, the state’s near-total abortion ban is set to take effect. Meaning, abortions would be banned with no exceptions for rape or incest. Only in rare instances to save the life of a mother.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. A licensed physician can prescribe and administer, but it must be in person.
Texas
What restrictions are in place?
Illegal at any stage, per a pre-Roe ban. Providers who violate the law could face up to five years in prison.A separate trigger ban — which also makes abortions illegal at all stages — is set to take effect in late August.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes, but only up to seven weeks of pregnancy. Only licensed physicians can prescribe it. And they have to administer it in person — since Texas has an explicit ban on using telehealth for abortion.
Utah
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are prohibited at 18 weeks of pregnancy. But that could change, depending on how a lawsuit on the state’s trigger law plays out. The trigger law would ban all abortions, with limited exceptions. For now, those getting the procedure have to get counseling, and then wait 72 hours. Parents of minors must be notified and give consent.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: Yes.
In the case of rape or incest: Yes. In the instance of rape, it must be reported to police.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Only physicians can prescribe it. And appointments can be held either in person or virtually.
Vermont
What restrictions are in place?
None. Abortions are allowed at all stages of pregnancy. There’s no counseling or waiting requirement. And minors don’t need parental consent.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Advanced practice clinicians and physicians are allowed to prescribe. And they can hold in-person or online appointments.
Virginia
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are prohibited starting in the third trimester (around 27 weeks). There’s no counseling or waiting requirement. But parents of minors must be notified and give their consent.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Advanced practice clinicians and physicians can prescribe. And appointments can be held in person or online.
Washington
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are prohibited at fetal viability. There’s no counseling or waiting requirement. And no parental involvement necessary.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Both advanced practice clinicians and physicians are allowed to prescribe it. And appointments can be held in person or via telehealth.
West Virginia
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions aren’t allowed 22 weeks after LMP. And there’s a 24-hour waiting period required after counseling. Parents of minors must be notified, though some health professionals can waive their involvement in certain instances. Though that could change as litigation continues for a pre-Roe abortion ban. That ban would make abortion illegal and punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Both advanced practice clinicians and physicians can prescribe. But appointments can only be held in person — since West Virginia prohibits telehealth meetings.
Wisconsin
What restrictions are in place?
Unclear, due to confusion around a pre-Roe abortion ban. The law, passed in 1849, would criminalize abortions. And only has exceptions for life endangerment. On June 27, Wisconsin AG Josh Kaul (D) filed a lawsuit challenging it. While district attorneys have indicated they wouldn’t enforce the ban, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin has still turned away abortion seekers in fear of violating the law — and over confusion about whether it’s in effect.
Wyoming
What restrictions are in place?
Abortions are banned at fetal viability. There’s no required counseling or waiting period. But parents of minors must be notified and give consent. The state's trigger law — which bans nearly all abortions — was blocked from going into effect on July 27. Unclear if or when that could change.
Are there any exceptions?
In the case of health or life endangerment: Yes.
In the case of a lethal fetal anomaly: No.
In the case of rape or incest: No.
Are medication abortions allowed?
Yes. Only physicians can prescribe it. But appointments are welcome in person or virtually.
theSkimm
Abortion rights are in flux now more than ever. And while the Supreme Court’s ruling on Roe v. Wade places abortion access firmly in the hands of states, it’s important to remain informed around the current laws where you live. And how they could change.
PS: To learn how abortion-related lawsuits are playing out across the nation, check out our guide.
Disclaimer: Info on state-by-state restrictions were found via the Guttmacher Institute. Background on medical abortions were gathered via the Kaiser Family Foundation and Guttmacher Institute.
Live Smarter
Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes.