The most restrictive abortion laws in generations are currently spreading across America's red states, setting up what could be a precedent-smashing Supreme Court challenge to the abortion status quo.
Driving the news: Alabama's governor signed an abortion ban into law on Wednesday — with no exceptions for cases of rape or incest. In what is anticipated to result in legal challenges, women will not be criminally liable for having an abortion in the state, but providers would face felony charges. Meanwhile, as Utah defends its strict new abortion ban, Democratic Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill — who oversees the state's county with the only 2 clinics — said he will not enforce the measure, per the AP.
States that have passed abortion restrictions:
- Ohio passed a fetal heartbeat law.
- Kentucky passed a fetal heartbeat law.
- Mississippi passed a fetal heartbeat law.
- Georgia passed a fetal heartbeat law.
- Utah voted to limit abortions to the middle of the second trimester.
- Arkansas voted to limit abortions to the middle of the second trimester.
States considering abortion restrictions:
- Florida is considering 2 bills — one limiting abortions after the 20th week of pregnancy and the second is fetal heartbeat bill.
- Louisiana is close to passing a fetal heartbeat bill.
- South Carolina is considering a fetal heartbeat bill.
- Maryland failed to pass a fetal heartbeat bill.
- Minnesota is considering a bill banning abortions after 20 weeks.
- West Virginia introduced a fetal heartbeat bill earlier this year.
- Missouri's heartbeat bill has passed one state chamber.
- Tennessee has passed a bill that would ban abortions if Roe v. Wade is overturned.
States enacting abortion protections:
- New York passed a bill that protects the "fundamental right" to abortions.
- Virginia recently expanded the range of medical professionals who can perform abortion procedures.
- The Kansas Court ruled in late April that the state constitution protects a woman's right to terminate a pregnancy.
Why it matters: Supreme Court rulings have been cited to allow abortions up to 24 weeks during pregnancy when the fetus is not viable — or when a woman's health or life is at risk.
- But conservatives have been advancing more restrictive policies in the past few years, hoping to spark a fresh Supreme Court case now that Justice Brett Kavanaugh replaced Anthony Kennedy.
What they're saying:...
- "For pro-life folks, these are huge victories," Sue Liebel, state director for anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony List, told the