States with Anti-Abortion “Trigger” Laws

Any Supreme Court ruling overturning or weakening Roe v. Wade would trigger an epic battle between “pro-life” and “pro-choice” forces that likely would be fought in state capitols — and perhaps also in Congress. Four states — Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana and South Dakota — have so-called trigger laws waiting on the books to make abortion illegal as soon as federal policy permits and three others have policy statements opposing abortion. In contrast, 13 states help ensure a woman’s access to abortion by prohibiting most forms of protest at abortion clinics. Seven states have passed laws ensuring the legality of abortion whether Roe v. Wade stands or falls and California and nine others have constitutional language interpreted by courts as protecting a woman’s right to end her pregnancy. Read More