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In June 2022, the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 decision that had protected abortion rights under the Constitution. This pivotal change has allowed individual states to set their own abortion laws, resulting in a diverse legal landscape across the country.
Using data from the Center for Reproductive Rights, Visual Capitalist has created a comprehensive map of the United States, illustrating the current state of abortion laws. Here is a detailed look at this map of the United States.
States Where Abortion is Banned
Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, fourteen states have made abortion illegal: Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia.
States with Restrictive Abortion Laws
Eleven states, including Arizona, Florida, and Pennsylvania, have adopted restrictive stances on abortion. These states have either no protections for abortion rights or have expressed intentions to ban abortion outright.
States Protecting Abortion Rights
Conversely, several states have reinforced their commitment to protecting abortion rights. States such as California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington have enacted laws to safeguard and expand access to abortion care.
Roe v. Wade was the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that established the constitutional right to abortion in the United States. For nearly five decades, this decision prevented states from imposing significant restrictions on abortion. However, in June 2022, a majority of Supreme Court justices voted to overturn Roe, fundamentally altering the legal landscape for abortion in the US.
Global Perspectives on Abortion Legality
Globally, abortion laws vary widely. While many developed countries have legalized abortion, it remains highly restricted or prohibited in countries such as Poland, Malta, and Ireland. The US joins a small number of countries, including Poland, Nicaragua, and El Salvador, that have recently tightened abortion laws.
Countries Expanding Abortion Access
In contrast, over 60 countries have expanded access to abortion in the past three decades. Notably, Canada, Australia, and much of Western Europe have liberalized their abortion laws, ensuring broader access to safe and legal abortion services. This shift reflects a global trend toward recognizing reproductive rights as fundamental human rights.
Abortion Facts and Statistics
Abortion is a complex and multifaceted issue, with significant implications for health, economics, and public opinion.
Health Impacts
Restrictive abortion laws are associated with higher rates of unsafe abortions, which can lead to increased maternal morbidity and mortality. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), unsafe abortions result in approximately 22,800 deaths and 7 million complications each year worldwide. Countries with liberal abortion laws generally report better maternal health outcomes.
Economic Factors
Access to abortion services has significant economic implications. Women who can control their reproductive health are more likely to participate in the workforce and attain higher education levels, contributing to economic growth. A study by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research found that state-level abortion restrictions in the US could result in an estimated loss of $105 billion per year due to reduced labor force participation and earnings.
Public Opinion
Public opinion on abortion is deeply divided in the US. According to a 2022 Pew Research Center survey, 61% of Americans believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while 37% believe it should be illegal in all or most cases. This division reflects broader societal and cultural debates over reproductive rights.
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