States that are declaring war against physicians
24 July 2023 (updated)
The states below have made it a felony for physicians to practice according to medical standards of care associated with reproductive health or have introduced legislation to do so with a high likelihood of being enacted into law. My suggestion is that physicians in these states pay more attention to this issue, consider where they might move and what events or legislation might trigger this decision, take steps to move to Michigan or another blue state or become politically active and oppose these laws. Doing nothing, although a common response, is probably not useful in these times.
This information is current as of today but may change. Although some states list “exceptions”, in practice, these do not exist because they are too vague to give physicians assurance they will not be charged with a felony or health care institutions refuse to allow their physicians to use them.
Alabama. Abortion is illegal.
Arkansas. Abortion is illegal.
Florida. Abortion is legal pending a decision by the Florida Supreme Court on the State’s law banning abortion after 6 weeks.
Georgia. Abortion is illegal after the detection of “embryonic cardiac cell activity”, typically 5-6 weeks, which is not the same as a fetal heartbeat.
Idaho. Abortion is illegal and its Ob/Gyns are fleeing the state. Helping a minor obtain abortion care without parental permission outside the state of Idaho is “abortion trafficking”. The bill sets a sentence of two to five years in prison upon conviction and allows civil lawsuits against providers.
Indiana. Legal pending a court decision. May become illegal on 1 August 23.
Iowa. Abortion is legal pending a court decision.
Kentucky. Abortion is illegal.
Louisiana. Abortion is illegal. Physicians have criticized exceptions for being confusing and limiting their ability to provide essential medical care.
Mississippi. Abortion is illegal.
Missouri. Abortion is illegal. See the article from a Missouri abortion provider.
Nebraska: Legal now up to 12 weeks but legislation and a court decision pending.
North Carolina: Legal now up to 12 weeks but new legislation and a court decision are pending.
North Dakota. Abortion is illegal.
Oklahoma: Abortion is illegal. Private citizens can also sue abortion providers and those who assist patients seeking an abortion.
Ohio. Abortion is legal pending a court decision.
South Carolina. Abortion is legal pending a court decision.
South Dakota. Abortion is illegal.
Tennessee. Abortion is illegal.
Texas: Abortion is illegal. Private citizens can sue abortion providers and those who assist patients seeking an abortion after about six weeks of pregnancy.
Utah: Currently legal up to 18 weeks pending legislation and a court decision.
West Virginia. Abortion is illegal.
Wisconsin. Abortion is illegal but a court decision is pending. There are no clinics that provide abortions in the State.
Wyoming: Legal but a court decision is pending.
Additional sources: Abortion Finder, News From The States, Abortion, Every Day
Email me with updates or comments at Nat@PathologyOutlines.com.