Survey of Laws Restricting Abortion in the 50 States and U.S. Territories

Prepared by Attorneys and Staff of Fried Frank, LLP

24 Mar 2026

This survey summarizes the varied tapestry of state and U.S. territory laws restricting access to abortion. It reflects the status of abortion laws between October 2025 and January 2026.  

Each state summary identifies and describes laws that respond to the following questions:   

What bans or restrictions govern the performance and procurement of an abortion?   

What criminal, civil and administrative penalties have been enacted to punish physicians, facilities and even women seeking abortions?  

Are there any general criminal laws that could be used to punish “unlawful” abortions?

Are there any statutes punishing third parties for aiding and abetting the performance or procurement of an abortion?   

Are there any shield laws or other protections for providers of reproductive health care services and patients seeking care?

Are there separate regulatory requirements of importance?

Does the state constitution specifically protect abortion?  Does it specifically restrict abortion?  Has the state’s highest court ruled whether or not the state constitution protects reproductive rights?

What other considerations exist that could alter the laws related to abortions in the near future?   

Jurisdictions Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Working Groups Reproductive Justice
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