Policy Tracker: Exceptions to State Abortion bans and Early Gestational Limits
washington D.C. – As of today, abortion access remains a complex and rapidly evolving landscape across the United States. Twelve states currently maintain outright bans on abortion, while an additional six have implemented early gestational limits, restricting access between 6 and 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Understanding the exceptions
Despite these restrictions, nearly all state bans include exceptions, generally falling into four key categories:
- Life of the Pregnant Person: Allowing abortion when necessary to prevent the death of the pregnant individual.
- Risk to Health: Permitting abortion when the pregnancy poses a risk to the pregnant person’s health.
- rape or Incest: Providing an exception in cases of pregnancy resulting from rape or incest.
- Lethal Fetal Anomaly: Allowing abortion when a fetal anomaly is persistent to be incompatible with life.
It’s vital to note that some states have multiple abortion bans or restrictions currently in effect, creating a patchwork of laws across the country. Detailed information regarding the specific exceptions within each state’s most restrictive limit or total ban can be found through interactive maps (details available on hover).
