This story was originally published August 5, 2022. It has been updated with new information.
When Roe v. Wade, the federal abortion rights guarantee, was overturned in the summer of 2022, several states across the country were expected to implement abortion bans almost immediately through “trigger laws” set to take effect in Roe’s absence. But in some states—including Wyoming and Iowa—abortion rights advocates and providers brought on legal challenges that have temporarily paused or limited the implementation of abortion bans or restrictions.
In 2022, abortion rights prevailed in states like Michigan and Kansas. In Michigan, residents voted to support a ballot measure that guarantees the right to abortion in the state’s constitution. And in Kansas, voters passed a proposal that ensures the right to abortion in the state constitution.
Overall, it can be hard to keep track of what’s happening in your state with regard to abortion rights. Below, we’ve outlined what you need to know and where to look for the latest information about the laws where you live.
Why is everything changing so fast?
Since the overturning of Roe, abortion rights advocates and providers in states that had previously passed “trigger laws” have filed legal challenges to prevent bans from being implemented, if only temporarily. Those legal challenges have been successful in several states—which is why abortion is still legal in some conservative states that were expected to almost automatically ban abortion without Roe.
In some of these states, temporary injunctions or restraining orders have prevented the implementation of abortion bans or restrictions before a decision is made in the courts.
Which states should we be watching and why?
In addition to Kansas, where voters already decided to keep abortion legal, abortion bans or restrictions have been blocked temporarily in Wyoming and Iowa—which means abortion is still legal there for now. It’s worth keeping an eye on what happens in the near future.
Texas and Idaho are in the midst of legal battles over the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), according to which hospitals should offer stabilizing care to pregnant people in medical emergencies. But, as The 19th reported, in early January, a federal appeals court ruled that Texas hospitals are not required to provide abortion in life-saving cases.
Additionally, the Supreme Court allowed Idaho to enforce the state’s abortion ban for now, even in medical emergencies. However, legal proceedings in both states are still underway, so there’s likely more to come.
Where can I keep track of what’s happening in my state?
It can be hard to keep track of the news in each state. Here are the best places to get updated information on what’s happening where you live: