Abortion was on the ballot this year, and now that the election is in the rearview, it’s still at the top of so many people’s minds — especially young women’s.
Growing up in a state where abortion laws are evolving towards women having less body autonomy is challenging, and can be incredibly scary. Not knowing what your options are in the case that you get pregnant, or far worse, become pregnant as a victim or rape, which is the case for 1 in 6 Americans, is a heavy burden. And it’s heavier now than it was just days ago.
In 21 states, abortion has been banned or restricted earlier in pregnancy than it was before Roe was overturned in 2022. And now, with conservative leadership about to take over, a lot of things are uncertain. But for young women worried about their rights, abortion shouldn’t be an unknown — they need to know exactly what their rights are regardless of where they live.
Here are 7 things girls and women need to know, and some tools to help them when they feel confused.
1. Some states just voted to protect abortion
The election brought about another four years of Donald Trump, but on Nov. 5, voters in seven states also voted to pass an abortion rights measure enshrining the right to abortion into the constitution. That means, it’s a lot harder to take away the right to an abortion in those states. Girls growing up in Maryland, New York, Nevada, Colorado, Missouri, Montana, and Nevada should feel confident in their right to an abortion, as it’s been enshrined into the constitution. Other states voted to protect abortion up to six weeks (Arizona) or 12 weeks (Nebraska).
2. Several states have strict abortion bans
South Dakota, Mississippi, and other southern states have some of the strictest abortion bans. Other states, like Florida, ban abortion after six weeks, which is before many women even know they are pregnant. Sadly, while in Florida, more than 50% (57%) voted to protect abortion, the measure to enshrine the right into the constitution still failed. That’s because the state requires a supermajority of 60 percent for ballot measures to pass.
3. Abortion laws are evolving
The fact that conservatives are always pushing to take the right to an abortion away means that the laws are constantly changing. On the flip side, progressives are set on keeping abortion legal, and they don’t plan on giving up the fight any time soon. This abortion law tracker is a useful tool that women and girls can use to find out exactly what their rights are on any given day.
4. There are services to help you get an abortion
No matter where you live, there are people who want to help, and organizations that do exactly that. Abortion Finder is an incredible source that can help you find an abortion clinic. If your state has made abortion illegal, it can direct you to an abortion clinic out of state. It will also help you figure out how to get there, and even offer assistance for cost, travel, and more.
5. Plan B is available in all 50 states
Currently, there are no restrictions on Plan B. While it may not be as readily available, and might require a prescription in some states, it hasn’t been banned. Plan B can be expensive, but it’s an excellent tool for preventing abortion when taken within 24 hours after intercourse. It can be taken up to 72 hours post-intercourse, but the sooner it’s taken, the more effective it is.
6. Even if you live in an abortion desert, you may be able to get abortion pills delivered
There are some services that will send abortion pills in the mail — even to states where it is no longer legal. There may be hoops to jump through with using these services or potential legal repercussions. However, in a state like South Dakota, where abortion is completely illegal, it can be the best bet for women who aren’t able to travel out of state.
7. Abortion reporters are working hard to stay on top of the issue
Many reporters exclusively cover abortion, making it their mission to keep educating people about abortion. Jessica Valenti is an abortion reporter, author, and activist whose newsletter and social media explain, in easy-to-follow terms, exactly what’s going on with abortion, down to the hour. Follow her posts here at Abortion, Every Day to stay up-to-date.
