Is abortion still legal?

By Amy @ Planned Parenthood | March 4, 2022, 10:23 p.m.

Update June 24, 2022:

The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which means that states can now ban abortion. Some states have banned abortion or created lots of restrictions. But abortion is still legal in many states, and it's legal to go to a different state to get an abortion. Abortion is NOT banned nationwide.

Laws about abortion are changing very quickly. You can find more information about laws in your state and how to get an abortion from your local Planned Parenthood health center or abortionfinder.org.

Access to abortion is under attack. It’s easier to get abortions in some parts of the country than others. It just depends on each state’s regulations.

Politicians have passed laws in some states that make it harder to get an abortion. These state laws can include:

Mandatory waiting periods — you must receive counseling and then wait up to 72 hours before you can have an abortion
Requiring doctors to discourage you or scare you out of getting an abortion
Force health center closures that make it difficult for people in rural areas to find a nearby health center or one that has appointment openings
Requiring health center staff to notify or get permission from parents if a person under 18 needs an abortion
Very limited times on when you’re allowed to get an abortion
Cuts in funding for health centers that provide abortion, forcing them to close

If you’re considering abortion, timing is often key since it may take you a while to get an appointment or it may be hard to find an abortion provider in your area. Talk to a nurse or doctor right away, so you have every available option.

If you need information about the laws in your state, contact your nearest Planned Parenthood health center or visit abortionfinder.org.

Tags: Abortion, abortionaccess