Too many state legislatures are considering – or have already passed – laws that make abortion a crime. In Congress, even though the new Democratic leadership largely supports abortion rights, you’d be surprised to know that a majority of members describe themselves as “pro-life.”
These threats are a real and present danger. In 2007 alone, 14 states considered legislation that would make all abortions illegal, except in cases of rape, incest or where the mother’s life is at risk. For example, a key committee in the Colorado legislature came within one vote of passing legislation to make all abortions illegal. Three states actually enacted complete bans on abortion, and states like Missouri already have abortion bans on the books that will likely take effect the day Roe v. Wade is overturned by a conservative Supreme Court. See the table below for more information.
These threats are a real and present danger. In 2007 alone, 14 states considered legislation that would make all abortions illegal, except in cases of rape, incest or where the mother’s life is at risk. For example, a key committee in the Colorado legislature came within one vote of passing legislation to make all abortions illegal. Three states actually enacted complete bans on abortion, and states like Missouri already have abortion bans on the books that will likely take effect the day Roe v. Wade is overturned by a conservative Supreme Court. See the table below for more information.
States that considered making all abortions illegal in 2007
|
State
|
Legislation Outlawing Abortion Considered
|
Legislation Outlawing Abortion Enacted
|
|
Alabama
|
X
|
|
|
Colorado
|
X
|
|
|
Georgia
|
X
|
|
|
Louisiana
|
X
|
X
|
|
Mississippi
|
X
|
X
|
|
Missouri
|
X
|
|
|
Montana
|
X
|
|
|
North Dakota
|
X
|
X
|
|
Ohio
|
X
|
|
|
Oklahoma
|
X
|
|
|
South Dakota
|
X
|
|
|
Texas
|
X
|
|
|
Utah
|
X
|
|
|
Virginia
|
X
|
|
