Post Roe v. Wade…What’s Changed?

Written by Cinestie Olson

Over two months ago, the United States Supreme Court changed history for people who can get an abortion…in the worst way. 

On June 24, 2022, the constitutional right to have an abortion, which was upheld for nearly a century, was overturned. The states are now individually allowed to decide the rights to abortion access (or lack of) for their citizens. Let's take a look into what has happened since then.

The not so good news

Despite several protests, marches, and petitions, states have already began to ban abortions and limit access to clinics across the US. Below is a list of states that currently have a ban on abortions as of August 26, 2022 (from nytimes.com).

• Alabama: full ban on abortions with no exceptions for rape or incest.
• Arkansas: full ban on abortions with no exceptions for rape or incest.
• Idaho: full ban on abortions.
• Kentucky: full ban on abortions with no exceptions for rape or incest.
• Louisiana: full ban on abortions with no exceptions for rape or incest.
• Mississippi: full ban on abortions with exceptions for rape, not incest.
• Missouri: full ban on abortions with no exceptions for rape or incest.
• Oklahoma: full ban on abortions at the point of fertilization.
• South Dakota: full ban on abortions with no exceptions for rape or incest.
• Tennessee: full ban on abortions with no exceptions for rape or incest.
• Texas: full ban on abortions with no exceptions for rape or incest.
• Wisconsin: full ban on abortions with no exceptions for rape or incest, and those who perform the procedure will face felony charges.
• Ohio: abortion is banned after six weeks of pregnancy.
• Georgia: abortion is banned after six weeks of pregnancy.
• Florida: abortion is banned after fifteen weeks of pregnancy.
• Utah: abortion is banned after eighteen weeks of pregnancy.
• North Carolina: abortion is banned at 20 weeks of pregnancy, but the governor has issued an executive order to shield those seeking or providing abortions in NC from laws in other states.

Several other states are issuing bans on abortions, such as Indiana and Arizona, but have either been blocked or will take effect in September. 

The good news

While times seem scary for those with a uterus and an ability to become pregnant, there are several states looking out for those seeking abortion healthcare. 

Oregon’s state law protects abortion throughout the entire pregnancy, and the Legislature has approved $15 million to support those who are seeking the procedure. Colorado, Nevada, and Minnesota’s state laws also protect abortions, as well as having executive orders to shield those seeking or providing abortions in their state from laws in other states.

On a federal level, President Joe Biden has stated his support to codify abortion rights in the U.S., but it’s unclear due to midterm elections and whether or not Democrats will win the House or increase Senate seats (AKA, go out and vote if you can!)

If you or someone you know is seeking an abortion or reproductive healthcare but is limited on access, funding, or support, please refer to our Instagram post we’ve created with different resources listed below. Click here for Sunny’s Abortion Resources.