Abortion Laws by State and Where It Is Legal

States Where Abortion Is Legal

Abortion is legal past the first trimester in 31 states and the District of Columbia. It is banned at every stage in 13 states and after 6 or 12 weeks in 6 more (KFF).

Among the states where it is legal, 9 and D.C. set no gestational limit. 18 allow abortion until about fetal viability, which doctors generally place near 24 weeks, and 4 allow it until 18 to 22 weeks.

The line between those groups runs through the South and the Midwest. Virginia is the only Southern state without a ban or an early limit (KFF).

Abortion Laws in Your State

Choose your state to see how far into pregnancy abortion is legal, what exceptions its ban has, whether pills can come by telehealth, and whether abortion is on your 2026 ballot. The map shows one question at a time; switch views with the buttons.

Abortion law in your state

Choose a state. The card lists each rule with its source.

Choose your state to see its rules Select a state AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

A quick reference, not legal advice. Exceptions describe each state's strictest ban in effect. Wyoming's six-week ban was blocked by a court on April 24, 2026, so it is shown as legal to viability.

How far into pregnancyPills by telehealthRape or incest exception

How far into pregnancy

• Banned (13)
• Banned after 6 to 12 weeks (6)
• Legal to 18 to 22 weeks (4)
• Legal to about viability (18)
• No gestational limit (9 + D.C.)

Sources: Guttmacher Institute, State policies; KFF, Abortion in the U.S. dashboard (ban status as of August 10, 2026); KFF, Abortion-related state ballot initiatives since Dobbs (as of August 21, 2026); KFF, Abortion on the 2026 Ballot (updated September 24, 2026); Center for Reproductive Rights, Wyoming (six-week ban enjoined April 24, 2026); KFF, Exceptions to state abortion bans (April 1, 2026); KFF, Telehealth for medication abortion by state (May 14, 2026); Guttmacher Institute, Shield laws (as of August 24, 2026). Verified September 28, 2026.

How far into pregnancy

State	How far into pregnancy abortion is legal	Exceptions to the ban (every ban allows abortion to save the patient's life)	Abortion pills by telehealth	Shield law for telehealth clinicians	Abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Detail
Alabama	Banned at all stages, with narrow exceptions	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: no. Fatal fetal condition: yes.	Abortion is banned, so no telehealth abortion is legal in the state	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Near-total ban; life exception only.
Alaska	Legal with no gestational limit	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with at least one limit on pills by telehealth	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal; no gestational limit.
Arizona	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Protected to viability (Prop 139, 2024).
Arkansas	Banned at all stages, with narrow exceptions	Life: yes. Health: no. Rape or incest: no. Fatal fetal condition: no.	Abortion is banned, so no telehealth abortion is legal in the state	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Near-total ban; life exception only.
California	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Yes, including for clinicians who prescribe by telehealth to patients in other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Constitutional protection; legal.
Colorado	Legal with no gestational limit	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Yes, including for clinicians who prescribe by telehealth to patients in other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Constitutional protection (Amendment 79, 2024).
Connecticut	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal; protected by statute.
Delaware	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal; protected by statute.
District of Columbia	Legal with no gestational limit	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal; no gestational limit.
Florida	Banned after 6 to 12 weeks of pregnancy	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: yes. Fatal fetal condition: yes.	Legal, with at least one limit on pills by telehealth	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Banned at about 6 weeks (2024).
Georgia	Banned after 6 to 12 weeks of pregnancy	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: yes. Fatal fetal condition: yes.	Legal, with at least one limit on pills by telehealth	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Banned at about 6 weeks (LIFE Act).
Hawaii	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal to viability.
Idaho	Banned at all stages, with narrow exceptions	Life: yes. Health: no. Rape or incest: yes. Fatal fetal condition: no.	Abortion is banned, so no telehealth abortion is legal in the state	Not for telehealth to other states	Yes, on November 3, 2026	Near-total ban; narrow exceptions.
Illinois	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal to viability; protected by statute.
Indiana	Banned at all stages, with narrow exceptions	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: yes. Fatal fetal condition: yes.	Abortion is banned, so no telehealth abortion is legal in the state	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Near-total ban; limited exceptions.
Iowa	Banned after 6 to 12 weeks of pregnancy	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: yes. Fatal fetal condition: yes.	Legal, with at least one limit on pills by telehealth	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Banned at about 6 weeks (2024).
Kansas	Legal until 18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal; in 2022 voters rejected an amendment that would have removed the state constitution's abortion protection. Restrictions apply.
Kentucky	Banned at all stages, with narrow exceptions	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: no. Fatal fetal condition: no.	Abortion is banned, so no telehealth abortion is legal in the state	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Near-total ban; narrow exceptions.
Louisiana	Banned at all stages, with narrow exceptions	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: no. Fatal fetal condition: yes.	Abortion is banned, so no telehealth abortion is legal in the state	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Near-total ban; limited exceptions.
Maine	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Yes, including for clinicians who prescribe by telehealth to patients in other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal; broadly protected.
Maryland	Legal with no gestational limit	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Constitutional protection (2024).
Massachusetts	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Yes, including for clinicians who prescribe by telehealth to patients in other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal to 24 weeks.
Michigan	Legal with no gestational limit	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Constitutional protection (2022).
Minnesota	Legal with no gestational limit	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal; protected by statute (2023).
Mississippi	Banned at all stages, with narrow exceptions	Life: yes. Health: no. Rape or incest: yes. Fatal fetal condition: no.	Abortion is banned, so no telehealth abortion is legal in the state	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Near-total ban; the state in the Dobbs case.
Missouri	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with at least one limit on pills by telehealth	Not for telehealth to other states	Yes, on November 3, 2026	Legal to fetal viability under the 2024 Amendment 3. A new Amendment 3 on the November 2026 ballot would repeal it.
Montana	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Protected to viability (2024 ballot).
Nebraska	Banned after 6 to 12 weeks of pregnancy	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: yes. Fatal fetal condition: no.	Legal, with at least one limit on pills by telehealth	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Banned at 12 weeks.
Nevada	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	Yes, on November 3, 2026	Legal to 24 weeks; 2024 measure must pass again in 2026.
New Hampshire	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal to 24 weeks.
New Jersey	Legal with no gestational limit	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal; no gestational limit.
New Mexico	Legal with no gestational limit	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal at all stages.
New York	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Yes, including for clinicians who prescribe by telehealth to patients in other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Constitutional equal-rights protection (2024).
North Carolina	Banned after 6 to 12 weeks of pregnancy	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: yes. Fatal fetal condition: yes.	Legal, with at least one limit on pills by telehealth	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Banned at 12 weeks.
North Dakota	Banned at all stages, with narrow exceptions	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: yes. Fatal fetal condition: no.	Abortion is banned, so no telehealth abortion is legal in the state	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Near-total ban, back in effect after the state Supreme Court upheld it on November 21, 2025.
Ohio	Legal until 18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Constitutional protection (Issue 1, 2023).
Oklahoma	Banned at all stages, with narrow exceptions	Life: yes. Health: no. Rape or incest: no. Fatal fetal condition: no.	Abortion is banned, so no telehealth abortion is legal in the state	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Near-total ban; life exception only.
Oregon	Legal with no gestational limit	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal; no gestational limit.
Pennsylvania	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal to 24 weeks.
Rhode Island	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Yes, including for clinicians who prescribe by telehealth to patients in other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal to viability; protected by statute.
South Carolina	Banned after 6 to 12 weeks of pregnancy	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: yes. Fatal fetal condition: yes.	Legal, with at least one limit on pills by telehealth	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Banned at about 6 weeks.
South Dakota	Banned at all stages, with narrow exceptions	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: no. Fatal fetal condition: no.	Abortion is banned, so no telehealth abortion is legal in the state	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Near-total ban; life exception only.
Tennessee	Banned at all stages, with narrow exceptions	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: no. Fatal fetal condition: no.	Abortion is banned, so no telehealth abortion is legal in the state	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Near-total ban; limited exceptions.
Texas	Banned at all stages, with narrow exceptions	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: no. Fatal fetal condition: no.	Abortion is banned, so no telehealth abortion is legal in the state	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Near-total ban; no rape or incest exception.
Utah	Legal until 18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with at least one limit on pills by telehealth	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Banned at 18 weeks.
Vermont	Legal with no gestational limit	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Yes, including for clinicians who prescribe by telehealth to patients in other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Constitutional protection; no gestational limit.
Virginia	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	Yes, on November 3, 2026	Legal into the third trimester; the only Southern state without a ban or early limit.
Washington	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Yes, including for clinicians who prescribe by telehealth to patients in other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal; protected by statute.
West Virginia	Banned at all stages, with narrow exceptions	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: yes. Fatal fetal condition: yes.	Abortion is banned, so no telehealth abortion is legal in the state	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Near-total ban; limited exceptions.
Wisconsin	Legal until 18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with at least one limit on pills by telehealth	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Banned at 20 weeks after fertilization, which is 22 weeks counted from the last menstrual period.
Wyoming	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal to fetal viability. The state Supreme Court struck the total ban on January 6, 2026, and a district court blocked a new six-week ban on April 24, 2026. KFF's ban map dated August 10, 2026 still lists the six-week ban; its telehealth table (May 14, 2026) and the Center for Reproductive Rights show it enjoined.

See all states in a table

All states Banned (13)Banned after 6 to 12 weeks (6)Legal to 18 to 22 weeks (4)Legal to about viability (18)No gestational limit (9 + D.C.) Showing 51 of 51 states

State	How far into pregnancy abortion is legal	Exceptions to the ban (every ban allows abortion to save the patient's life)	Abortion pills by telehealth	Shield law for telehealth clinicians	Abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Detail
Alabama	Banned at all stages, with narrow exceptions	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: no. Fatal fetal condition: yes.	Abortion is banned, so no telehealth abortion is legal in the state	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Near-total ban; life exception only.
Alaska	Legal with no gestational limit	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with at least one limit on pills by telehealth	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal; no gestational limit.
Arizona	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Protected to viability (Prop 139, 2024).
Arkansas	Banned at all stages, with narrow exceptions	Life: yes. Health: no. Rape or incest: no. Fatal fetal condition: no.	Abortion is banned, so no telehealth abortion is legal in the state	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Near-total ban; life exception only.
California	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Yes, including for clinicians who prescribe by telehealth to patients in other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Constitutional protection; legal.
Colorado	Legal with no gestational limit	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Yes, including for clinicians who prescribe by telehealth to patients in other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Constitutional protection (Amendment 79, 2024).
Connecticut	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal; protected by statute.
Delaware	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal; protected by statute.
District of Columbia	Legal with no gestational limit	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal; no gestational limit.
Florida	Banned after 6 to 12 weeks of pregnancy	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: yes. Fatal fetal condition: yes.	Legal, with at least one limit on pills by telehealth	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Banned at about 6 weeks (2024).
Georgia	Banned after 6 to 12 weeks of pregnancy	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: yes. Fatal fetal condition: yes.	Legal, with at least one limit on pills by telehealth	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Banned at about 6 weeks (LIFE Act).
Hawaii	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal to viability.
Idaho	Banned at all stages, with narrow exceptions	Life: yes. Health: no. Rape or incest: yes. Fatal fetal condition: no.	Abortion is banned, so no telehealth abortion is legal in the state	Not for telehealth to other states	Yes, on November 3, 2026	Near-total ban; narrow exceptions.
Illinois	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal to viability; protected by statute.
Indiana	Banned at all stages, with narrow exceptions	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: yes. Fatal fetal condition: yes.	Abortion is banned, so no telehealth abortion is legal in the state	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Near-total ban; limited exceptions.
Iowa	Banned after 6 to 12 weeks of pregnancy	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: yes. Fatal fetal condition: yes.	Legal, with at least one limit on pills by telehealth	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Banned at about 6 weeks (2024).
Kansas	Legal until 18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal; in 2022 voters rejected an amendment that would have removed the state constitution's abortion protection. Restrictions apply.
Kentucky	Banned at all stages, with narrow exceptions	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: no. Fatal fetal condition: no.	Abortion is banned, so no telehealth abortion is legal in the state	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Near-total ban; narrow exceptions.
Louisiana	Banned at all stages, with narrow exceptions	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: no. Fatal fetal condition: yes.	Abortion is banned, so no telehealth abortion is legal in the state	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Near-total ban; limited exceptions.
Maine	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Yes, including for clinicians who prescribe by telehealth to patients in other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal; broadly protected.
Maryland	Legal with no gestational limit	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Constitutional protection (2024).
Massachusetts	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Yes, including for clinicians who prescribe by telehealth to patients in other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal to 24 weeks.
Michigan	Legal with no gestational limit	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Constitutional protection (2022).
Minnesota	Legal with no gestational limit	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal; protected by statute (2023).
Mississippi	Banned at all stages, with narrow exceptions	Life: yes. Health: no. Rape or incest: yes. Fatal fetal condition: no.	Abortion is banned, so no telehealth abortion is legal in the state	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Near-total ban; the state in the Dobbs case.
Missouri	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with at least one limit on pills by telehealth	Not for telehealth to other states	Yes, on November 3, 2026	Legal to fetal viability under the 2024 Amendment 3. A new Amendment 3 on the November 2026 ballot would repeal it.
Montana	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Protected to viability (2024 ballot).
Nebraska	Banned after 6 to 12 weeks of pregnancy	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: yes. Fatal fetal condition: no.	Legal, with at least one limit on pills by telehealth	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Banned at 12 weeks.
Nevada	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	Yes, on November 3, 2026	Legal to 24 weeks; 2024 measure must pass again in 2026.
New Hampshire	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal to 24 weeks.
New Jersey	Legal with no gestational limit	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal; no gestational limit.
New Mexico	Legal with no gestational limit	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal at all stages.
New York	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Yes, including for clinicians who prescribe by telehealth to patients in other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Constitutional equal-rights protection (2024).
North Carolina	Banned after 6 to 12 weeks of pregnancy	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: yes. Fatal fetal condition: yes.	Legal, with at least one limit on pills by telehealth	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Banned at 12 weeks.
North Dakota	Banned at all stages, with narrow exceptions	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: yes. Fatal fetal condition: no.	Abortion is banned, so no telehealth abortion is legal in the state	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Near-total ban, back in effect after the state Supreme Court upheld it on November 21, 2025.
Ohio	Legal until 18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Constitutional protection (Issue 1, 2023).
Oklahoma	Banned at all stages, with narrow exceptions	Life: yes. Health: no. Rape or incest: no. Fatal fetal condition: no.	Abortion is banned, so no telehealth abortion is legal in the state	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Near-total ban; life exception only.
Oregon	Legal with no gestational limit	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal; no gestational limit.
Pennsylvania	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal to 24 weeks.
Rhode Island	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Yes, including for clinicians who prescribe by telehealth to patients in other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal to viability; protected by statute.
South Carolina	Banned after 6 to 12 weeks of pregnancy	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: yes. Fatal fetal condition: yes.	Legal, with at least one limit on pills by telehealth	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Banned at about 6 weeks.
South Dakota	Banned at all stages, with narrow exceptions	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: no. Fatal fetal condition: no.	Abortion is banned, so no telehealth abortion is legal in the state	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Near-total ban; life exception only.
Tennessee	Banned at all stages, with narrow exceptions	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: no. Fatal fetal condition: no.	Abortion is banned, so no telehealth abortion is legal in the state	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Near-total ban; limited exceptions.
Texas	Banned at all stages, with narrow exceptions	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: no. Fatal fetal condition: no.	Abortion is banned, so no telehealth abortion is legal in the state	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Near-total ban; no rape or incest exception.
Utah	Legal until 18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with at least one limit on pills by telehealth	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Banned at 18 weeks.
Vermont	Legal with no gestational limit	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Yes, including for clinicians who prescribe by telehealth to patients in other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Constitutional protection; no gestational limit.
Virginia	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	Yes, on November 3, 2026	Legal into the third trimester; the only Southern state without a ban or early limit.
Washington	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Yes, including for clinicians who prescribe by telehealth to patients in other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal; protected by statute.
West Virginia	Banned at all stages, with narrow exceptions	Life: yes. Health: yes. Rape or incest: yes. Fatal fetal condition: yes.	Abortion is banned, so no telehealth abortion is legal in the state	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Near-total ban; limited exceptions.
Wisconsin	Legal until 18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with at least one limit on pills by telehealth	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Banned at 20 weeks after fertilization, which is 22 weeks counted from the last menstrual period.
Wyoming	Legal until about fetal viability	No early ban in effect, so exceptions do not apply	Legal, with no telehealth limits	Not for telehealth to other states	No abortion measure on the 2026 ballot	Legal to fetal viability. The state Supreme Court struck the total ban on January 6, 2026, and a district court blocked a new six-week ban on April 24, 2026. KFF's ban map dated August 10, 2026 still lists the six-week ban; its telehealth table (May 14, 2026) and the Center for Reproductive Rights show it enjoined.

Sources: Guttmacher Institute, State policies; KFF, Abortion in the U.S. dashboard (ban status as of August 10, 2026); KFF, Abortion-related state ballot initiatives since Dobbs (as of August 21, 2026); KFF, Abortion on the 2026 Ballot (updated September 24, 2026); Center for Reproductive Rights, Wyoming (six-week ban enjoined April 24, 2026); KFF, Exceptions to state abortion bans (April 1, 2026); KFF, Telehealth for medication abortion by state (May 14, 2026); Guttmacher Institute, Shield laws (as of August 24, 2026). Verified September 28, 2026.

Texas enforces part of its ban through private civil lawsuits under SB 8 (KFF). Our Texas abortion laws guide covers how that works.

How Far Into Pregnancy Each State Allows Abortion

Most states fall into one of two groups: a ban at or before 12 weeks, or legal until about viability or later. Only 4 states sit in between, at 18 to 22 weeks.

Number of states by how far into pregnancy abortion is legal

Category	Value
Banned	13
Banned after 6 to 12 weeks	6
Legal to 18 to 22 weeks	4
Legal to about viability	18
No gestational limit	9

50 states; the District of Columbia also sets no gestational limit. Sources: KFF (August 10, 2026), with Wyoming per the April 24, 2026 injunction (Center for Reproductive Rights).

Weeks are counted from the first day of the last menstrual period. By that count, a six-week ban takes effect about two weeks after a missed period. KFF reports that 45% of abortions happen by six weeks and 7% after the first trimester (KFF).

“Viability” has no fixed legal week. It is the point a fetus could survive outside the uterus, which KFF describes as generally presumed at around 24 weeks. Several states write 24 weeks into law instead.

Abortion Ban Exceptions by State

Every ban allows an abortion to save the pregnant patient’s life, but the other exceptions vary widely. 8 of the 19 states with a ban or early limit have no rape or incest exception, 4 have no health exception, and 10 have none for a fatal fetal condition.

The states with no rape or incest exception are Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee and Texas. Where the exception exists, it often ends at a set week and can require a police report, so a survivor who does not report may not qualify.

Health exceptions are usually limited to physical conditions. Alabama is the only state whose exception counts a serious mental illness, and it requires a psychiatrist’s diagnosis (KFF).

Can You Travel to Another State for an Abortion?

Yes, an adult can travel to a state where abortion is legal. In his Dobbs concurrence, Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote that a state may not bar a resident from traveling to another state for one, based on the constitutional right to interstate travel (Dobbs v. Jackson).

Fewer people traveled in 2025 than in 2024, because more received pills by telehealth instead (Guttmacher).

States that provided the most abortions to out-of-state patients, 2025

Category	Value
Illinois	32000
North Carolina	18000
Kansas	14000
New Mexico	10000

Source: Guttmacher Institute, full-year 2025 estimates (March 2026). Clinician-provided abortions to residents of other states.

Each of these four states borders at least one state with a ban or an early limit.

The rules for helping someone else travel are less settled, especially for a minor, so ask the free Repro Legal Helpline (844-868-2812) first.

Abortion Pills by Telehealth and Mail

Federal rules still let a clinician prescribe abortion pills by telehealth and mail them. The Supreme Court kept that in place on May 14, 2026, while a Louisiana lawsuit against the FDA continues (SCOTUSblog).

State law decides whether it is legal where you are. Besides the 13 states that ban abortion, 10 restrict pills by telehealth, with rules such as an in-person visit or a physician-only requirement (KFF).

Shield laws protect clinicians in some states who prescribe to patients elsewhere. Guttmacher counts 23 states and D.C. with some shield-law protection for reproductive or gender-affirming care. 8 extend it to telehealth: California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington (Guttmacher).

A shield law protects the prescriber, not the patient in a ban state. How ban states will respond is still being tested in court. Our abortion pill guide follows the FDA review and the lawsuits, and our explainer on the Comstock Act covers the 1873 mailing law some want to revive.

Abortion on the 2026 Ballot

Voters in Idaho, Missouri, Nevada and Virginia decide abortion measures on November 3, 2026. Three would protect abortion and one would ban it again (KFF).

• Missouri: Amendment 3 would repeal the abortion-rights amendment voters approved in 2024 and ban abortion except in emergencies, fatal fetal conditions, and rape or incest before 12 weeks. It would also ban gender-affirming care for minors.
• Idaho: Proposition 1 would create a state law allowing abortion until fetal viability, and after it in a medical emergency. Because it is a statute, the Legislature could later change it.
• Nevada: voters approved a constitutional right to abortion until viability in 2024. It needs a second yes vote to take effect.
• Virginia: an amendment would put a right to abortion until the third trimester into the state constitution. Two lawsuits challenge its place on the ballot.

Abortion laws and cases to watch

As of September 28, 2026

• Missouri Amendment 3 (2026) Proposal, November 3 ballot

  Placed by the Legislature, it would repeal the 2024 abortion-rights amendment and ban abortion except in emergencies, fatal fetal conditions, and rape or incest before 12 weeks. On July 4, 2025, a state appeals court certified new ballot language after ruling the original failed to tell voters it would repeal the 2024 amendment. (source)

• Idaho Proposition 1 Proposal, November 3 ballot

  Qualified July 13, 2026. On September 6 the Idaho Supreme Court approved rewritten "yes" and "no" statements after finding the first version failed state law. (source)

• Virginia Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment In litigation, on the ballot

  A trial court dismissed one challenge on July 24, 2026. On September 12 the Court of Appeals heard the appeal and denied a request to skip to the state Supreme Court, and the opening brief is due October 19. A second suit, filed April 30, is unresolved. Early voting began September 18. (source)

• Nevada Reproductive Rights Amendment Proposal, second vote

  Voters approved it in 2024. It must pass again on November 3 to enter the state constitution. (source)

• Wyoming six-week ban Blocked by a court, April 24, 2026

  Signed March 9, 2026, after the state Supreme Court struck down the total ban. A Natrona County judge blocked it on April 24, and on May 1 the governor certified the state’s ban after viability, so abortion stays legal until viability. (source)

• Abortion pills by mail (Louisiana v. FDA) In litigation, mail access continues

  The Supreme Court paused an order restoring in-person pickup on May 14, 2026, and the Fifth Circuit heard Louisiana’s appeal on September 9. On October 7 the FDA told the trial court it expects its safety study report by March 2027 and will then decide whether to change the rules. (source)

• Arizona telehealth and waiting-period rules Blocked by a court, on appeal

  On February 6, 2026, a state court permanently blocked the 24-hour wait, the telehealth ban and the fetal-diagnosis ban under the 2024 amendment. The legislators who intervened filed a notice of appeal on February 17. (source)

Source: KFF; Center for Reproductive Rights

Check your registration before your state’s deadline with our voter registration guide. For how the federal right ended, read our Dobbs decision explainer.

If You Need Care Now

Start with a verified provider list and a free legal hotline, not a general web search. Open the situation closest to yours. This is general information, not medical or legal advice.

What to do, by situation

Open the one closest to yours.

I live in a state with a ban and I am pregnant

1. Find your nearest legal provider at AbortionFinder.org, which lists verified clinics and telehealth services by state.
2. Note how many weeks along you are. Limits in nearby states run from 6 weeks to viability, and they are counted from your last period.
3. Ask the provider about cost. Abortion funds, listed by the National Network of Abortion Funds, may help pay for care and travel.
4. Call the Repro Legal Helpline (844-868-2812) with any legal question. It is free and confidential.

In 2025, 62,000 people living in total-ban states traveled to another state for care (Guttmacher).

I want to know if pills by mail are legal for me

1. Check your state in the finder above and switch the map to "Pills by telehealth."
2. If your state bans abortion or restricts telehealth, call the Repro Legal Helpline (844-868-2812) before you order.
3. Read our abortion pill guide for how the pills work and where the federal case stands.

I am helping a friend or family member

1. Let them make the decision; your job is logistics and support.
2. Rules on helping someone travel differ by state, and they are strictest for helping a minor. Ask the Repro Legal Helpline first.
3. Keep messages about their care private and limited to what they need.

I am having a medical emergency

1. Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
2. Every state ban has an exception to save the patient's life.
3. Afterward, if you believe care was delayed, write down what happened and when, and contact the Repro Legal Helpline.

Common Questions About Abortion Laws by State

In which states is abortion legal?

Abortion is legal past the first trimester in 31 states and the District of Columbia. 9 of those states and D.C. set no gestational limit, 18 allow it until about fetal viability (around 24 weeks), and 4 until 18 to 22 weeks, per KFF’s tracker and later court rulings checked September 28, 2026.

Which states ban abortion?

13 states ban abortion at every stage of pregnancy, with narrow exceptions: Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia. Another 6, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Nebraska, North Carolina and South Carolina, ban it after 6 or 12 weeks.

Which state has the least strict abortion laws?

9 states and D.C. set no gestational limit: Alaska, Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon and Vermont. Laws on waiting periods, telehealth and who may provide care still differ among them.

Can you go to another state for an abortion?

Yes, an adult can travel to a state where abortion is legal. In his Dobbs concurrence, Justice Kavanaugh wrote that a state may not bar residents from traveling to another state for one. Rules on helping a minor travel and on mailing pills into ban states are less settled, so the free Repro Legal Helpline (844-868-2812) is a good first call.

Can I get abortion pills by mail?

Federal rules still allow a clinician to prescribe abortion pills by telehealth and mail them, after the Supreme Court paused a lower-court order on May 14, 2026. Whether it is legal depends on your state: 13 states ban abortion and 10 more restrict pills by telehealth. 8 states have shield laws that protect clinicians who prescribe to patients in other states.

Do abortion bans have exceptions for rape or incest?

Of the 19 states with a total ban or an early limit in effect, 8 have no rape or incest exception: Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee and Texas. Where the exception exists, most states cut it off at a set week of pregnancy, and several require a police report.

Is abortion on the ballot in 2026?

Yes, in 4 states on November 3, 2026. Nevada and Virginia would protect abortion in their constitutions, Idaho would create a statutory right until viability, and Missouri would repeal the right its voters approved in 2024.

What You Can Do

1. Know your state’s rule. Use the finder above, and bookmark AbortionFinder.org for the current list of providers.
2. Vote on November 3. If you live in Idaho, Missouri, Nevada or Virginia, abortion is on your ballot. Everywhere else, the legislature and state courts you elect set the rule.
3. Ask your legislators where they stand. Ask about exceptions, telehealth and shield laws. Our letter-writing guide shows how.
4. Support an abortion fund. Funds help pay for travel and care. The National Network of Abortion Funds lists them by state.
5. Share accurate information. Laws change after single rulings, so share a source with a date, not a screenshot.