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

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

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, 3:07 PM EDT

Louisiana enacts trigger law banning abortion

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry said Friday abortion is banned in the state after a trigger law went into effect following the Supreme Court's decision.

"My office and I will do everything in our power to ensure the laws of Louisiana that have been passed to protect the unborn are enforceable, even if we have to go back to court," Landry said in a statement.

Earlier this week, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards signed a bill into law that strengthened the 2006 trigger law that went into effect Friday. The new law increases the penalties abortion providers face: prison terms range from one to 10 years and $10,000 to $100,000 in fines.

Criminal charges cannot be brought against a woman who receives an abortion. There are no exceptions for rape or incest, only when the mother's life is in danger.

Edwards also recently signed into law legislation that makes it illegal for anyone to send abortion pills by mail to Louisiana residents. Those who do face one to five years in prison and fines up to $50,000.

Jun 24, 2022, 2:11 PM EDT

Indiana legislators to address abortion in special session

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said a special session of the General Assembly next month will address abortion in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling.

"The Supreme Court’s decision is clear, and it is now up to the states to address this important issue. We’ll do that in short order in Indiana,” Holcomb said in a statement. “I’ve already called the General Assembly back on July 6, and I expect members to take up this matter as well."

Jun 24, 2022, 2:10 PM EDT

South Carolina governor vows to push for passage of 'fetal heartbeat bill'

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican, vowed to push for more abortion restrictions on the heels of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade.

"Today’s Supreme Court ruling is a resounding victory for the Constitution and for those who have worked for so many years to protect the lives of the most vulnerable among us," McMaster tweeted.

He added, "By the end of the day, we will file motions so that the Fetal Heartbeat Act will go into effect in South Carolina and immediately begin working with members of the General Assembly to determine the best solution for protecting the lives of unborn South Carolinians."

The law requires doctors to perform ultrasounds on pregnant women seeking an abortion to determine if cardiac activity can be detected, which typically occurs around six weeks -- before many women know they're pregnant.

The law had been blocked, pending the outcome of Mississippi's 15-week abortion ban, which was upheld by the Supreme Court in a 6-3 vote along party lines.

Additionally, the state's attorney general, Alan Wilson, announced he has filed a motion in federal court to lift the injunction of the law.

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.