States all over the country have implemented anti-abortion trigger laws since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last June. While other state representatives have passed legislation to prohibit, limit, or protect the right to abortion and the ability of medical providers to perform the procedure. Here are the situations across different US states.
Alabama
The "Human Life Protection Act" -- which forbids all abortions -- became enforceable as of June 24, 2022, after a U.S. District Court judge granted an emergency motion to dissolve a preliminary injunction against it. There are no exceptions for rape or incest; only abortions necessary to prevent a major health risk to the expectant mother are permitted.
Arkansas
Arkansas' trigger law, which forbids all abortions except those necessary to preserve the life of the pregnant person, came into effect on June 24, 2022. Rape and incest have no exclusions.
Arizona
On September 23, 2022, nearly three months to the day after the U.S. Supreme Court repealed Roe v. Wade, a judge in Arizona upheld a century-old prohibition on abortion. The much-awaited decision outlaws abortion after 15 weeks. Exemption can be made if the mother's life is in danger.
Idaho
Idaho already has one of the harshest abortion laws in the nation, but on April 6, 2023, Gov. Brad Little signed a bill into law that would make it unlawful for an adult to assist a minor in getting an abortion outside of their state without their parent's permission.
In March, Idaho became the first US state to pass a bill prohibiting abortions after six weeks, when many women are not even aware they are pregnant.
Louisiana
The Louisiana trigger ban, which forbids all abortions except when necessary to avert the pregnant person's death or substantial handicap, took effect on June 24, 2022. For rape and incest, there are no exceptions.
Ohio
At 22 weeks and beyond, abortion is prohibited. Rape and incest have no exclusions. While a state constitutional appeal is ongoing, an Ohio bill that effectively outlaws all abortions has been stopped.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma also has a trigger law, which forbids all abortions except those necessary to save the life of the pregnant person, which came into effect on June 24, 2022. Private right-of-action rules allow anybody to file a lawsuit against an abortionist or anyone who assists an expectant woman in getting an abortion. Rape and incest have no exclusions.
Texas
Texas has virtually totally outlawed abortion with a six-week cutoff since September 2021, but its trigger ban enacts a rule that forbids all abortions unless the pregnant woman is in a life-threatening emergency. For rape and incest, there are no exceptions.
Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, abortion is currently prohibited beyond 22 weeks. Wisconsin has a pre-Roe ban from 1849 that will likely be put back into effect. Abortions would not be allowed unless necessary to save the pregnant woman's life. Rape and incest have no exclusions.
