State-Level Abortion Bans

Politicians in states across the country have been chipping away at abortion rights and access for decades via unconstitutional bans, angling for a case that would rise to the attention of the Supreme Court.

A 15-week ban in Mississippi finally did just that. On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that made abortion up to the point of fetal viability (22-24 weeks’ gestation) a constitutional right in the United States. The ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization permits states to decide their own abortion laws, and many have already outlawed the procedure at any stage of pregnancy or have limited it to very early in pregnancy. As legal challenges play out in states, the laws are changing daily; the Guttmacher Institute is a reliable resource for the current status of state abortion bans and protections.

We are dedicated to helping elect congressional candidates in this year’s midterm elections who support the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA), a bill that would prohibit state governments from imposing undue burdens on patients seeking abortions or on providers offering abortion services. Another bill in the House of Representatives, the Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act, would protect patients’ right to travel out of state for abortion services and would also protect providers who perform abortions on out-of-state residents and other people who help patients obtain abortion care across state lines.

Women's Health Protection Act (WHPA)

In the House of Representatives (H.R. 8296)

Introduced by Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA-27) on June 8, 2021, as H.R. 3755; reintroduced on July 7, 2022, as H.R. 8296

Passed in the U.S. House of Representatives on September 24, 2021, and again on July 15, 2022

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In the Senate (S. 4132)

Originally introduced by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) on June 8, 2021, as S. 1975; reintroduced on May 3, 2022, as S. 4132

Failed in the Senate on February 28, 2022, and again on May 11, 2022

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Contact Your Senators

Urge your senators to vote for the Women’s Health Protection Act (S. 4132)!

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Ensuring Women's Right to Reproductive Freedom Act

In the House of Representatives (H.R. 8297)

Introduced by Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX-7) on July 7, 2022

Passed 223–205 on July 15, 2022

See how your rep voted

In the Senate (NA)

No Senate version