States introduce new laws after Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade

Many states are taking action after gaining the power to decide on abortion.

ByMary Kekatos, Katie Kindelan, Nadine El-Bawab, and Melissa Gaffney
Last Updated: June 29, 2022, 5:40 PM EDT

After the U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark decision that guaranteed a woman's right to an abortion, states are taking action.

The court's ruling rolled back constitutional protection for abortion rights, giving each state the power to decide.

Several states had trigger laws in place that immediately banned abortion if Roe was overturned. Others guarantee the right to an abortion under state laws or their constitutions.

Some states are now introducing new laws, emboldened by the Supreme Court's decision.

Latest updates:

Here is how the new is developing. All times Eastern.
Jun 24, 2022, 1:11 PM EDT

Alabama governor seeks to enforce abortion ban

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said Friday the state will work to enforce a 2019 law that makes performing an abortion at any stage a felony unless the mother's health is in danger.

"Currently, there is a halt by a federal judge on the enforcement of that law, but now that Roe is overturned, the state will immediately ask the court to strike down any legal barriers to enforcing this law," Ivey said in a statement.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall also issued a statement calling on all abortion clinics in the state to close.

"Any abortionist or abortion clinic operating in the State of Alabama in violation of Alabama law should immediately cease and desist operations," Marshall said.

The right to an abortion is not protected under Alabama's state constitution.

Jun 24, 2022, 1:10 PM EDT

Virginia governor seeks to ban abortion after 15 weeks

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin will seek to ban abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy following the Supreme Court decision to overrule Roe v. Wade, his office confirmed to ABC News.

Virginians elected a pro-life governor and he supports finding consensus on legislation," spokesperson Macaulay Porter said.

She added, "He has tapped Senator Siobhan Dunnavant, Senator Steve Newman, Delegate Kathy Byron and Delegate Margaret Ransone to do so and prioritize protecting life when babies begin to feel pain in the womb, including a 15-week threshold."

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin attends a round table meeting in Alexandria, Va. on Feb. 3, 2022.
The Washington Post via Getty Images, FILE

Youngkin released a statement Friday morning praising the court's decision, saying it "rightfully returned power to the people and their elected representatives in the states."

Jun 24, 2022, 12:56 PM EDT

Missouri announces abortion ban after Supreme Court ruling

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said in a tweet Friday that Missouri has banned abortions following the Supreme Court's ruling overturning Roe v. Wade.

"In response to today's SCOTUS ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, I have signed a proclamation activating the 'Right to Life of the Unborn Child Act,' ending elective abortions in the State," Parson wrote.

With the overturning of Roe, nearly half of the nation's 50 states are prepared to ban all or nearly all abortions, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive rights policy organization.