22 states prepared to restrict abortion

The divided States of America
22 states prepared to restrict abortion












UNDERSTANDING THE MAP

A look at the criteria used to rate state legislatures' likely action if Roe v. Wade were overturned. (Some states have characteristics that fall into more than one category; the ranking reflects consideration of multiple factors.)

1. States considered likely to enact significant additional restrictions on abortion:

• Some have in place "trigger" laws -- bans on abortion that would take effect if Roe were reversed.
• Some are debating bans on abortion or "trigger" laws this year, or are gathering signatures for a ballot initiative to ban abortion.
• All have passed eight or more of 11 current restrictions on abortion tracked by the Alan Guttmacher Institute.

2. States in the middle:

• None has an abortion ban that would be triggered by Roe's reversal.
• None has enacted legislation to protect access to abortion if Roe were reversed.
• All have passed four to nine of the 11 current restrictions on abortion tracked by the Guttmacher Institute.

3. States considered most likely to protect access to abortion:

• Some have enacted laws that would ensure abortion rights if Roe were overturned.
• All have passed seven or fewer of the 11 current restrictions.
Contributing: Source: USA TODAY analysis of data from the Alan Guttmacher Institute