At a time when the Supreme Court has its most conservative majority in generations, several states are passing abortion laws with the hope that the court will revisit its landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which legalized abortion nationwide.
Here are some states that have passed laws significantly restricting or outright banning abortion this year. (RELATED: Supreme Court Legalized Abortion 46 Years Ago. Here’s A Look At Abortion Across The US)
Kentucky: Republican Gov. Matt Bevin signed a law in March that bans all “eugenics-based” abortions. House Bill 5 “prohibits an abortion if the pregnant woman is seeking the abortion, in whole or in part, because of an unborn child’s sex, race, color, national origin, or disability, except in the case of a medical emergency.”
Ohio: The state of Ohio passed a “heartbeat” bill, which makes it illegal for an abortion to performed after a heartbeat is detected. A heartbeat can usually be detected within 6-9 weeks of the pregnancy. Republican Gov. Mike DeWine signed the bill into law in April.
Pro-life and pro-choice protesters rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court waiting for the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates v. Becerra case, which remains pending, in Washington, U.S., June 25, 2018. REUTERS/Toya Sarno Jordan
Mississippi: Republican Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant also signed a “heartbeat bill” into law this past March. After signing the bill, Bryant said he hoped it would go to the Supreme Court.
Georgia: Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed a nearly-identical “heartbeat bill” into law earlier this month, causing an uproar from some in the entertainment industry, which shoots many films and TV shows in the state. Actress Alyssa Milano, who is filming a Netflix series in Atlanta, threatened to boycott the state completely, along with several other stars.
Alabama: Republican Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed a law Wednesday that bans nearly all abortions, without exceptions for rape and incest. The bill is the most restrictive law in the nation and passed with the intention of challenging Roe v. Wade.
Missouri: The Missouri state senate passed a bill Thursday that bans abortion after eight weeks. The bill has not been officially signed into law, but is expected to receive the signature of Republican Gov. Mike Parson.
None of these laws have taken effect yet, and all are currently facing legal challenges.
