State legislatures write choice-related laws that have a huge impact on women’s health and lives. Some states have great pro-choice laws. But in other states, anti-choice politicians are intruding on our private health decisions.
Who Represents You?
State Laws
What choice-related laws does your state have? Click your state to get started.
If you're having trouble with the map, find your state here.
Looking for the big picture? Check out our overview of pro-choice laws and overview of anti-choice laws passed in the states last year.
States Report
Our annual report, Who Decides? The Status of Women's Reproductive Rights in the United States, takes a look at choice-related laws in each state and at the federal level.
- Read the report online
- Download the full report (PDF - 8.5MB)
- Download the report card of state grades (PDF)
Ballot Measures
Do voters ever decide on issues related to a woman's right to choose? In many states, the answer is yes. Anti-choice groups put measures on the ballot to advance their agenda.
Recent Ballot Measures
Mississippi "Personhood" Measure
Mississippi voters defeated the anti-choice "personhood" measure, known as Initiative 26. It could have banned abortion and many types of birth control.
Ballot Measures in 2012
California
In California, anti-choice forces are collecting signatures for ballot measures that would impose a dangerous parental-involvement mandate and mandatory 48-hour delay on young women who seek abortion care. These measures jeopardize the health and safety of young women who, for fear of violence or in cases of incest, cannot turn to their parents. In addition, anti-choice advocates have proposed a "personhood" measure on the ballot, which would ban abortion.
Florida
Voters in Florida will vote on an amendment that would eliminate protections in Florida's constitution that guarantee women the right to privacy. Anti-choice advocates also have initiated a campaign to place a "personhood" measure on the ballot, which would ban abortion and could even ban common forms of birth control.
Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, anti-choice groups are pushing for a voter referendum that would ban insurance coverage of abortion care.
Montana
In 2012, Montana voters will face a parental-involvement measure. It would jeopardize the health and safety of young women who, for fear of violence or in cases of incest, cannot turn to their parents. In addition, anti-choice groups are collecting signatures to place a "personhood" measure on the ballot. This measure would outlaw abortion and could even ban common forms of birth control.
Nevada
Anti-choice advocates have initiated a campaign to place a "personhood" measure on the ballot, which could ban abortion and even common forms of birth control. The measure's backers are collecting the signatures needed to qualify it for the ballot.
Ohio
Anti-choice advocates in Ohio have initiated a campaign to place a "personhood" measure on the ballot. It would ban abortion and could even make some common forms of birth control illegal. The deadline for submitting the Ohio petition's signatures is July 6, 2012.
Oregon
Anti-choice advocates in Oregon have initiated a campaign to place a "personhood" measure on the ballot, with the intention to ban abortion.
News & Updates
New Report on Attacks on Choice in the States
Attacks on choice skyrocketed in 2011. Who Decides? The Status of Women’s Reproductive Rights in the United States shows that states enacted more than twice as many anti-choice measures in 2011 as the previous year.
Nancy Keenan on Fox News
Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, went on Fox News to speak out against Texas' anti-choice mandatory ultrasound law.
Anti-Choice Law in Texas Upheld by Court
A court ruling in Texas will force a woman to view an ultrasound before accessing abortion care — even if she objects.
