Understanding Abortion Laws and Access in the United States

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. We’re here to help you understand these new laws and how they may affect your options for getting a safe, legal abortion.

How to Find Information on State Abortion Laws

This state-by-state guide has the most up to date information about abortion laws. If you’re pregnant and seeking an abortion, your nearest Planned Parenthood health center or another trusted reproductive health care provider can determine how far along into pregnancy you are and help you understand your options.

Types of Abortion Procedures

There are two ways of ending a pregnancy: in-clinic abortion and abortion pills. Both are safe and effective. You can get either option from some Planned Parenthood health centers and other abortion providers. Depending on what state you live in, you may be able to have a video or phone visit with a doctor or nurse for the abortion pill and then have the pills mailed to you. If you have questions about the abortion pill and want to talk to someone, you can chat live with the educators at Aya Contigo. It's free and confidential (only available in the United States).

Understanding Self-Managed Abortion

Finding and taking abortion pills to end a pregnancy without the help of a doctor or nurse is called “self-managed abortion.” Research shows that self-managing an abortion with abortion pills (mifepristone and/or misoprostol) can be safe and effective. But, there may be legal risks to buying and using abortion pills outside of the health care system. Plan C has more information about the difference between getting an abortion from a doctor or nurse, like at Planned Parenthood, and a self-managed abortion, including legal considerations.

Preparing for an Abortion Appointment

Beyond booking your appointment, you might need to coordinate travel logistics, costs, and self-care after receiving an abortion. Check out our step-by-step checklist for a personalized guide to help you before and after your appointment.

Financial Assistance for Abortion

If you’re worried about how to pay for an abortion, contact Planned Parenthood (or wherever you have your appointment) to find out about financial help that may be available. Even if you can’t get an abortion in your state, Planned Parenthood can provide information to help you get the abortion care you need in another state. You can also visit AbortionFunds.org.

Identifying Crisis Pregnancy Centers

It’s important to be aware of fake clinics, also known as crisis pregnancy centers. These are clinics or mobile vans that usually advertise pregnancy testing and counseling, but they’re run by people who are anti-abortion — their goal is to shame, scare, or pressure you out of getting an abortion. Crisis pregnancy centers don’t offer a full range of health care services, won’t give you honest information about your pregnancy options, and don’t have to follow privacy laws. Planned Parenthood or AbortionFinder.org can help you find a trustworthy abortion provider.

Remember: If you need an abortion, Planned Parenthood can help to answer your questions, determine how far along your pregnancy is, and help you get the care you need. Planned Parenthood believes your body is your own. The dangerous new state laws that ban abortion care are confusing, scary, and just plain wrong. Know that we’ll do everything we can to continue to provide you with the full range of sexual and reproductive health services you need, including abortion care.

Interstate Travel for Abortion Care

A pregnant woman might leave her state for an abortion if her home state’s laws restrict access to the procedure. She might also travel because the nearest abortion clinic is in another state. According to the most recent national abortion data, 74,244 pregnant women traveled outside of their areas of residence for abortions in 2021. That’s 11.9% of all abortions reported that year.

States with High Rates of Non-Resident Abortions

Kansas and Washington, DC, had the highest rate of abortions by non-residents. Washington, DC, had the highest rate of non-residents traveling for an abortion, at 70.8% and Kansas had the second highest rate at 49.9%. Abortion medication is available in Kansas, though abortions are prohibited after 22 weeks of gestation. Surrounding states Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma all have laws prohibiting abortion regardless of gestational age. Abortion medication is available in Washington, DC, and in nearby Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia.

States with Highest Number of Residents Getting Abortions Out-of-State

In 2021, 1% of Missouri residents who received an abortion stayed in the state for the procedure, totaling 116 abortions that year. As of June 2022, Missouri prohibited all abortions regardless of gestational age. In 2023, Idaho passed a law restricting helping a pregnant minor get an abortion out-of-state, whether through a procedure or medication, without a parent or guardian.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requests abortion data from the central health agencies for each state, Washington, DC, and New York City. Reporting is voluntary. California, Maryland, New Hampshire, and New Jersey did not submit abortion data for 2021.