Abortion Bans
In the News

Texas Lawmakers Broker Quiet Agreement on Women's Health Funds; House Panel Approves 20-Week Ban
Monday, May 6, 2013
Democrats and Republicans in the Texas Legislature are "quietly" working together to restore women's health funding, marking a sharp contrast from the "high-octane drama" over cuts to women's health services in recent years, the Texas Tribune/New York Times reports.

N.C. House Panel Advances Bill Banning Abortions Based on Sex of the Fetus
Friday, May 3, 2013
A North Carolina House committee on Wednesday approved a bill (HB 716) that would ban physicians from "knowingly or recklessly" performing an abortion when the sex of the fetus is a "significant factor" in a woman's request for the procedure, AP/WRAL reports.

Featured Blog
Friday, May 3, 2013
"The Importance of Roe vs. Wade" (Joseph Blady, Huffington Post blogs, 5/1).

Rep. Franks Reintroduces 20-Week Abortion Ban for Washington, D.C.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Following the failure of a nearly identical bill (HR 3803) last year, Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) on Friday introduced legislation (HR 1797) that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy in Washington, D.C., The Hill's "Healthwatch" reports.

In Planned Parenthood Speech, President Obama Criticizes 'Absurd' Antiabortion Laws
Monday, April 29, 2013
In a speech to Planned Parenthood on Friday, President Obama condemned lawmakers who are restricting access to abortion and contraception and pledged to fight with women's health advocates "every step of the way," the New York Times' "The Caucus" reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
"New TRAP Laws Force Virginia Abortion Clinic To Close After 40 Years of Service" (Lori Adelman, Feministing, 4/22) and "Another Fight Looms on a 20-Week Abortion Ban for D.C." (Robin Marty, RH Reality Check, 4/22).

Kan. Gov. Brownback Signs Sweeping Bill With Several Abortion Restrictions
Monday, April 22, 2013
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback (R) on Friday approved a far-reaching antiabortion-rights bill (HB 2253) that restricts access to the procedure, penalizes entities associated with abortion providers and declares that life begins "at fertilization," the AP/Topeka Capital-Journal reports.

Both Sides Brace for Prospect That State Abortion Bans Could Reach Supreme Court
Monday, April 22, 2013
Lawmakers and experts on both sides of the abortion-rights debate say potential lawsuits over state measures banning abortion before fetal viability could eventually make it to the Supreme Court, Bloomberg Businessweek reports.

Fla. House Passes Ban on Certain Abortions
Monday, April 22, 2013
The Florida House on Thursday approved a measure (HB 845) that would prohibit abortions based on the sex or race of the fetus, the Miami Herald reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, April 19, 2013
"Bringing Down Arkansas' House of Cards" (Becca Cadoff, American Civil Liberties Union's "Blog of Rights," 4/17).

Lawsuit Challenges Ark. 12-Week Abortion Ban
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
The American Civil Liberties Union and the Center for Reproductive Rights on Tuesday filed a lawsuit challenging a new Arkansas law (SB 134) that bans most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy, Politico reports.

N.D. Gov. Dalrymple Signs Third Abortion Ban Bill in a Month
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
On the heels of signing two bills last month that ban most abortions, North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple (R) on Tuesday signed into law a measure (SB 2368) that prohibits the procedure after 20 weeks of pregnancy, the AP/USA Today reports.

State Lawmakers Focusing on Abortion Bans in 2013, Guttmacher Analysis Finds
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
State legislators in the first three months of 2013 introduced 694 reproductive health-related measures, including about 347 to restrict abortion, according to an analysis by the Guttmacher Institute, United Press International reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
"State Policy Trends 2013: Abortion Bans Move to the Forefront" (Elizabeth Nash/Rachel Benson Gold, RH Reality Check, 4/12) and "Federal Court Blocks Mississippi Admitting Privileges Law" (Jessica Mason Pieklo, RH Reality Check, 4/15).

States Embracing More Aggressive Approach on Abortion Restrictions
Friday, April 12, 2013
Although states enacted a record number of abortion restrictions in both 2011 and 2012, abortion-rights opponents this year are employing more aggressive tactics in conservative states where lawmakers are receptive to their ideas, according to abortion-rights advocates, the Washington Post reports.

Texas House Comm. Considers 20-Week Abortion Ban
Friday, April 12, 2013
A Texas bill (HB 2364) that would ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy drew sharp responses from advocates, doctors and lawmakers at a House State Affairs Committee hearing on Wednesday, the San Antonio Express News' "Texas Politics" reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, April 12, 2013
"In Just Three Months, States Proposed an Astonishing 694 Provisions About Reproduction" (Annie-Rose Strasser, Center for American Progress' "Think Progress," 4/11).

N.D. Lawmakers Build 'Litigation Fund' To Defend Antiabortion Laws as Residents Petition for Repeal Votes
Thursday, April 11, 2013
The North Dakota Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday unanimously approved a budget amendment that would set aside money to defend against potential legal challenges to the state's recently enacted abortion restrictions, the AP/Dickinson Press reports.

Kansas Lawmakers Send Governor Sweeping Abortion Bill Declaring Life Begins 'at Fertilization'
Monday, April 8, 2013
Kansas lawmakers late Friday granted final passage to sweeping antiabortion legislation (HB 2253) that would ban certain abortions, penalize entities associated with abortion providers and define life as beginning "at fertilization," The Hill's "Blog Briefing Room" reports.

Fla. House Panel Approves Bill Targeting Abortions Based on Sex, Race of Fetus
Friday, April 5, 2013
The Florida House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday approved a bill (HB 845) that would require abortion providers to sign affidavits stating that they are not performing an abortion based on the sex or race of the fetus, the AP/Miami Herald reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, April 5, 2013
"Outlawing Abortion Won't Help Children with Down Syndrome" (Alison Piepmeier, New York Times' "Motherlode," 4/1); "Seven States Working Hard To Shut Down Abortion Clinics" (Tara Culp-Ressler, Center for American Progress' "ThinkProgress," 4/3); "Nevada Lawmaker Receives Death Threats After Talking About Her Abortion" (Culp-Ressler, Center for American Progress' "Think Progress," 4/4).

N.D. Conference Committee Drops Amendment Targeting Sex Education Research
Thursday, April 4, 2013
A North Dakota conference committee on Tuesday dropped an amendment that would have prohibited the use of public funds to contract with "entities performing, inducing, referring for, or counseling in favor of, abortions," the AP/Atlanta-Journal Constitution reports.

New York Times Editorial, Columnist Collins Denounce N.D. Antiabortion Laws
Monday, April 1, 2013
The New York Times recently published an editorial and column criticizing North Dakota's enactment of legislation (HB 1456) to ban abortions as early as six weeks of pregnancy, as well as other attacks on abortion rights in that state and elsewhere.

Increased Polarization Among States Leaves Little Middle Ground in Abortion Debate, Advocates Say
Monday, April 1, 2013
Advocates on both sides of the abortion-rights debate say that states are rapidly becoming more polarized on the issue as they enact an increasing number of laws governing the procedure, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Fla. House Subcommittee Advances Three Antiabortion Measures, Delays a Fourth Bill
Friday, March 29, 2013
Florida House subcommittees on Wednesday approved three antiabortion-rights measures, while a fourth bill -- which would effectively ban most abortions -- appears to have stalled, the Sunshine State News reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, March 29, 2013
"Is Abortion Heading Back to the Supreme Court?" (Andrew Rosenthal, New York Times' "Taking Note," 3/27); "The Landscape of Abortion Bans, In One Must-See Map" (Sarah Kliff, Washington Post's "Wonkblog," 3/28).

N.D. Abortion Restrictions Draw Swift Rebukes
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Following North Dakota's enactment of legislation (HB 1456) to ban abortions as early as six weeks of pregnancy, the Washington Post's "Wonkblog" interviewed Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood Action Fund President Cecile Richards about the law's repercussions for women, abortion bans in other states and the legal landscape in the abortion-rights debate.

N.D. Gov. Dalrymple Signs Abortion Ban To Challenge the 'Boundaries of Roe,' Approves Two Other Bills
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple (R) on Tuesday approved the nation's most-restrictive abortion ban by signing into law a bill (HB 1456) that prohibits the procedure once a fetal heartbeat is "detectable," which can occur as early as six weeks if a transvaginal ultrasound is used, the New York Times reports.

N.D. Approves 'Personhood' Amendment for 2014 Ballot, Advances Other Abortion Restrictions
Monday, March 25, 2013
As part of votes on four antiabortion-rights bills on Friday, the North Dakota House approved a resolution (ND 4009) authorizing a 2014 ballot measure that would enshrine in state law the notion that life begins at conception, the AP/Forum of Fargo-Moorhead reports.

New York Times, Daily Beast Op-Eds Criticize N.D. Abortion Restrictions
Monday, March 25, 2013
Recent opinion pieces in the New York Times and Daily Beast responded to the passage of antiabortion-rights measures in North Dakota and other states.

N.D. House Committee Approves Amendment Targeting Sex Ed Research
Thursday, March 21, 2013
The North Dakota House Human Services Committee on Monday approved an amendment that would prohibit the use of public funds to contract with "entities performing, inducing, referring for, or counseling in favor of, abortions," the Forum of Fargo-Moorhead reports.

N.D. Amendment Could Thwart Valuable Research, Editorial Argues
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Although Planned Parenthood is lawmakers' "target of choice" in an amendment that seeks to block funding for a sex education program run by the group, the provision's broad language "could undermine or scuttle other areas of valuable scientific and social research" if lawmakers disapprove of certain groups, "no matter how tangential such involvement might be," a Forum of Fargo-Moorhead editorial states.

N.D. Lawmakers Urge Gov. To Veto Abortion Restrictions
Thursday, March 21, 2013
A bipartisan group of North Dakota lawmakers is urging Gov. Jack Dalrymple (R) to veto legislation that would enact the nation's most-restrictive abortion measures, the AP/Redwood Falls Gazette reports.

Editorial Decries 'Outrageous Intrusions' into N.D. Women's
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
"Proponents of the pending [North Dakota "personhood"] legislation claim the measures are pro-life, and thus meant to end abortions in the state, but their practical effect would be nothing of the sort," according to a Forum of Fargo-Moorhead editorial.

N.D. Lawmakers Eye 'Personhood' Bills To Ban All Abortions
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Shortly after advancing two of the most restrictive abortion measures (HB 1456, HB 1305) in the nation, North Dakota lawmakers are considering banning all abortions through a pair of "personhood" bills that would grant legal rights to fertilized eggs, the AP/Grand Forks Herald reports.

N.D. Senate Approves Bans on Abortions After Six Weeks, Those Sought Because of Fetal Sex or Genetic Abnormalities
Monday, March 18, 2013
The North Dakota Senate on Friday voted to approve a bill (HB 1456) that would ban abortion as early as six weeks of pregnancy if a fetal heartbeat is detectable, Reuters reports.

Bills To Ban Abortion Gain Prominence Among State Conservatives
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
In a shift from past decades, abortion-rights opponents have increasingly focused on state legislation banning abortion after certain points in pregnancy, ABC News reports.

Proponents of Antiabortion 'Heartbeat' Laws See Ark. as Bellwether for Other States
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Arkansas' recent enactment of legislation (SB 134) that bans most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy is giving new momentum to a segment of abortion-rights opponents who see enactment of early abortion bans as an effective strategy for challenging Roe v. Wade, the New York Times reports.

Ark. 12-Week Abortion Ban Exposes Divide in Antiabortion-Rights Movement
Monday, March 11, 2013
The Arkansas Legislature's recent enactment of legislation (SB 134) that bans most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy has exposed strategic divisions within the national antiabortion-rights movement, the AP/Sacramento Bee reports.

Ark. Bill Aims To Defund Affiliates of Abortion Providers
Monday, March 11, 2013
An Arkansas lawmaker who sponsored the state's newly enacted 12-week abortion ban has introduced a bill (SB 818) that would bar public funding to abortion providers and groups affiliated with them, including Planned Parenthood, the AP/Sacramento Bee reports.

L.A. Times, New York Times Pieces Criticize Ark. Abortion Ban
Friday, March 8, 2013
The Los Angeles Times and New York Times recently published an opinion piece and editorial, respectively, criticizing the Arkansas Legislature's recent enactment of legislation (SB 134) that prohibits most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Featured Blogs
Friday, March 8, 2013
"Arkansas Abortion Ban Disproportionately Affects Poor Women and Teenagers" (Amanda Marcotte, Slate's "XX Factor," 3/7).

Ark. Enacts Earliest Abortion Ban in U.S.; Legal Fight Anticipated
Thursday, March 7, 2013
As expected, the Arkansas House on Wednesday overrode Gov. Mike Beebe's (D) veto of a bill (SB 134) that prohibits abortion after 12 weeks of pregnancy, thus enacting the nation's earliest abortion ban and setting up a likely legal challenge, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Federal Judge Strikes Down Idaho 20-Week Abortion Ban, Other Statutes
Thursday, March 7, 2013
A federal judge this week ruled that a 2011 Idaho law prohibiting abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy is unconstitutional on the grounds that it violates the principles of the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision, Reuters reports.

Ark. Legislature Poised To Override Veto of 12-Week Abortion Ban
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
The Arkansas House could vote as early as Wednesday to override Gov. Mike Beebe's (D) veto of legislation (SB 134) that would ban abortion as early as 12 weeks of pregnancy if a fetal heartbeat is detectable, Politico reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
"Some Arkansas Legislators do the Time Warp; Pass Most Extreme Abortion Bill in the Nation" (Hayley Smith, ACLU's "Blog of Rights," 2/28) and "States With the Highest Teen Pregnancy Rates Lack Adequate Sex Ed Requirements" (Rebecca Leber/Adam Peck, Center for American Progress' "ThinkProgress," 3/1).

Ark. Legislature Overrides Gov.'s Veto of 20-Week Abortion Ban, Passes 12-Week Ban
Monday, March 4, 2013
The Arkansas Legislature has overturned Gov. Mike Beebe's (D) veto of a bill (HB 1037) that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, Reuters reports.

Ark. House Overrides Governor's Veto of 20-Week Abortion Ban
Thursday, February 28, 2013
The Arkansas House on Wednesday voted to override Gov. Mike Beebe's (D) veto of a bill (HB 1037) that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, the AP/New York Times reports.

Ark. Gov. Vetoes 20-Week Abortion Ban
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe (D) on Tuesday vetoed a bill (HB 1037) that would have banned abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, although the Legislature could override his decision, the AP/New York Times reports.

Ark. House Advances 20-Week, 12-Week Abortion Bans
Monday, February 25, 2013
The Arkansas House on Thursday approved a bill (HB 1037) that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, as well as a separate measure (SB 134) that would ban most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy if a fetal heartbeat is detectable, Reuters reports.

N.D. Senate Approves 20-Week Abortion Ban
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
The North Dakota Senate on Monday voted 30-17 to approve a bill (SB 2368) that would ban abortion later in pregnancy, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Ark. Senate Advances 20-Week Abortion Ban
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
The Arkansas Senate on Monday voted 25-7 to approve a bill (HB 1037) that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, Reuters reports.

Ark. House Panel Rejects Fetal Heartbeat Bill
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
The Arkansas House Public Health Committee on Thursday rejected an amended version of a bill (SB 134) that would have banned abortion after 12 weeks of pregnancy if a fetal heartbeat is detectable, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Ark. Gov. Beebe Signs Bill Prohibiting Coverage for Abortion in Health Exchange
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe (D) on Monday signed into law a bill (HB 1100) that prohibits insurers from offering abortion coverage in the state's health insurance exchange, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Colo. Abortion, 'Religious Freedom' Bills Die in Committee
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
The Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday voted 3-2 to reject a bill (SB 56) that would have banned abortion based on the sex of the fetus, the Denver Post reports.

N.D. House Approves Two Antiabortion Bills
Monday, February 11, 2013
The North Dakota House on Friday approved two bills that would outlaw abortion in various instances, the Fargo-Moorhead Inforum reports.

Ark. Lawmaker Amends 'Heartbeat' Bill To Allow Abdominal Ultrasound
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Arkansas Sen. Jason Rapert (R) on Tuesday said he would amend a bill (SB 134) that would ban abortion if a fetal heartbeat is detectable so that physicians may use an abdominal, rather than a transvaginal, ultrasound to try to detect the heartbeat, the AP/Politico reports.

Ark. House Approves Abortion Restrictions
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
The Arkansas House on Monday approved two bills restricting abortion coverage and banning abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, the AP/Miami Herald reports.

Ark. House Committee Passes Antiabortion Bills
Friday, February 1, 2013
The Arkansas House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee on Thursday advanced two bills restricting abortion coverage and banning abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, the AP/Huffington Post reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, February 1, 2013
"Oregon is the Only State Left That Hasn't Imposed Any Restrictions on Abortion" (Tara Culp-Ressler, Center for American Progress' "ThinkProgress," 1/31) and "The Worst State for Women?" (Amanda Marcotte, American Prospect, 1/30).

Top N.Y. Senate Republican Challenges Reproductive Health Act
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Opposition from New York Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos could complicate Gov. Andrew Cuomo's (D) efforts to pass the Reproductive Health Act (S 438), North Country Public Radio reports.

Wyo. House Panel Rejects Fetal Heartbeat Bill
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
The Wyoming House Labor, Health and Social Services Committee on Monday voted 5-3 to reject a bill (HB 97) that would have prohibited abortion once there is a detectable fetal heartbeat, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Ark. Lawmaker Proposes Bill Banning Abortion Early in Pregnancy
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Arkansas Sen. Jason Rapert (R) this week introduced legislation (SB 134) that would prohibit abortion if a fetal heartbeat is detectable, which could be as early as six weeks of pregnancy, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
"Where Abortion Bans Lead" (Juliet Lapidos, New York Times ' "Taking Note," 1/28) and "The Alabama Supreme Court Decision: Will it Make Delivering Appropriate Health Care to Pregnant Women More Difficult?" (Sarah Roberts, ANSIRH Blog, 1/25).

N.D. Lawmakers Propose Ban on Abortions Based on Sex of Fetus, Genetic Defects
Thursday, January 24, 2013
A dozen North Dakota Republican lawmakers are co-sponsoring legislation (HB 1305) that would ban abortions based on the sex of the fetus or genetic defects, such as Down syndrome, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Wyo. Abortion Bills Fixate on Fetal Heartbeat, Pre-Abortion Requirements
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Two proposed measures before the Wyoming Legislature emphasize the fetus' heartbeat in attempting to restrict abortion, the Casper Star-Tribune reports.

Forty Years After Roe v. Wade, Women Still Caught in 'Political Fight,' New York Times Columnist Writes
Thursday, January 10, 2013
In the 40 years since the Supreme Court issued its ruling in Roe v. Wade, "women seeking abortions have been put through a lot of unnecessary trauma" by laws that force them to travel far distances to obtain the procedure and comply with requirements like mandatory ultrasounds and waiting periods, New York Times columnist Gail Collins writes.

Wis. Lawmakers, Antiabortion Groups Plan New Abortion Restrictions
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
A new session of the Wisconsin Legislature began on Monday, and lawmakers and antiabortion-rights groups are planning measures to further restrict abortion access in the state, WUWM reports.

Va. Lawmakers Plan Bills To Restrict Abortion
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Despite drawing nationwide backlash over antiabortion measures last year, Virginia legislators have pre-filed bills for the upcoming session that would restrict access to abortion, the Washington Post reports.

N.H. Abortion Procedure Ban Takes Effect
Friday, January 4, 2013
A New Hampshire law (HB 1679) took effect on Jan. 1 that prohibits a procedure abortion-rights opponents call "partial-birth" abortion, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Ga. Judge Grants Injunction Against 20-Week Abortion Ban
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Doris Downs on Dec. 21 issued a preliminary injunction against a Georgia law (HB 954) that bans abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, December 21, 2012
"Dear Rick Perry: Caring for Children Doesn't Stop at Birth," (Melissa Harris-Perry, MSNBC, 12/18) and "In Search of Solidarity: Vastly Different Responses to Michigan's 'Right To Work' and Attacks on Right To Choose," (Angi Becker Stevens, RH Reality Check,12/18).

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
"What Republican 'Soul-Searching'?" (Michael Keegan, Huffington Post blogs, 12/14), "Rick Perry: Legislature Will Work Out Punishment for Women Seeking Later Abortions Under Proposed Ban," (Andrea Grimes, RH Reality Check, 12/17) and "Major Medical Societies Call for End to Legislative Intrusion Into Women's Medical Care and Decisions," (Andrea Friedman, RH Reality Check, 12/14).

Texas Gov. Perry Calls for 20-Week Abortion Ban; New Suits Filed Over Women's Health Program
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) on Tuesday voiced his support for legislation that would ban abortion in the state after 20 weeks of gestation, the Houston Chronicle reports.

Utah Lawmaker Proposes Ban on Sex-Selective Abortion
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Utah Sen. Margaret Dayton (R) is planning a bill that would prohibit abortions based on the sex of the fetus, the AP/U-T San Diego reports. Dayton is considering adding a ban on race-selective abortions to the bill as well.

ACLU Challenges Ga. 20-Week Abortion Ban
Monday, December 3, 2012
The American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia on Friday filed a lawsuit on behalf of three physicians to challenge a Georgia law (HB 954) that bans abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Ohio Senate Leader Says Romney's Defeat Thwarted 'Heartbeat' Bill
Monday, December 3, 2012
An Ohio Senate leader on Thursday said GOP candidate Mitt Romney's loss in the presidential election compelled him to abandon a bill (HB 125) that would have banned abortion after a fetal heartbeat is detectable, the AP/San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, November 30, 2012
"The Election is Over, but the Fight Goes On" (Kate Michelman, Huffington Post blogs, 11/27).

Ohio Senate Halts Plans for 'Heartbeat' Bill
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
An Ohio Senate leader on Tuesday said he will not bring to the floor a bill (HB 125) that would ban abortion after a fetal heartbeat is detectable, the AP/Sacramento Bee reports.

Ariz. Launches Website With Abortion Information Amid Legal Battle Over Law
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
The Arizona Department of Health Services last week launched a website about the risks of abortion, as required under a controversial new law (HB 2036) that also bans abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, the Arizona Daily Sun reports.

Wis. Antiabortion Group Hopes To Use GOP Majority To Bolster Abortion Regulations
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Wisconsin's largest antiabortion-rights group, Wisconsin Right to Life, hopes to capitalize on Republican control of the Legislature and governorship to push through a number of abortion restrictions in the next legislative session, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Abortion Opponents To Push Several Proposals in 2013 Ark. Legislative Session
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Now that Republicans have won control of both the House and Senate in Arkansas, abortion opponents are pushing to introduce several bills that failed in last year's legislative session, AP/Today's THV reports.

Texas Abortion Opponents Lobby for Antiabortion Bills in the 2013 Session
Monday, November 26, 2012
Texas antiabortion-rights groups are pushing several antiabortion measures for the 2013 session, the Texas Tribune/New York Times reports.

No 'Postelection Letup' in Legal Fights Over Abortion, New York Times Editorial States
Thursday, November 8, 2012
"No one should expect a postelection letup in the continuing courtroom fights over state efforts to restrict women's access to safe and legal abortions," a New York Times editorial states.

Ariz. 20-Week Ban is Unconstitutional, Slate Opinion Piece Argues
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
In a Slate opinion piece about a challenge to Arizona's 20-week abortion ban, Emily Bazelon writes, "When in a pregnancy can a state ban abortion? For years, the answer has been clear: after viability."

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
"Getting Reproductive Rights out of Politics" (Nancy Northup, Huffington Post blogs, 11/5).

State Laws Hinder Access to Abortion Information, Limit Women's Options, Experts Say
Monday, October 22, 2012
Although abortion is legal in the U.S., state laws are making it increasingly difficult for women to obtain abortions or even to get information about the procedure, the AP/Washington Post reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, October 12, 2012
"Briefs in Support of Arizona's Pre-Viability Ban Show the Evolution of a Legal Challenge to Roe" (Jessica Mason Pieklo, RH Reality Check, 10/9).

Utah Lawmaker Plans To Introduce Bill Banning Sex-Selective Abortion
Thursday, October 11, 2012
A Utah lawmaker on Tuesday said she is preparing a bill that would ban abortion based on the sex of the fetus, ABC4 reports.

Number of Abortions Declines in Ohio, With Medication Abortion Use Down 79%
Thursday, October 4, 2012
The number of abortions performed in Ohio fell by 12% last year, marking the largest annual decline in over a decade, according to a report released on Monday by the state Department of Health, the Columbus Dispatch reports.

Appeals Court Issues Mixed Decision on Idaho 'Fetal Pain,' Self-Induced Abortion Laws
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
An appeals court on Tuesday said an Idaho woman does not have grounds to challenge the state's "fetal pain" abortion law, but she should not be prosecuted for ending her own pregnancy under a separate law that likely is unconstitutional, The Hill's "Healthwatch" reports.

Many States 'Twist Medical Evidence' in Abortion Laws, USA Today Editorial Argues
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Several opinion pieces and editorials on Monday discussed the significance of Rep. Todd Akin's (R-Mo.) remarks that pregnancy from rape is rare and that women's bodies can block a pregnancy from "legitimate rape."

Criminal Charges Against Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri Dropped
Monday, August 20, 2012
The criminal prosecution of Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri on Friday came to an end when the state dropped 32 remaining charges of illegally providing abortion care later in pregnancy and not first determining fetal viability, the Kansas City Star reports.

Most State 'Fetal Pain' Bills Yet To Face Court Challenges
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Several states have enacted abortion bans later in pregnancy based on the disputed theory that a fetus can feel pain after 20 weeks of gestation, but only one has been challenged in court, Politico reports.

Appeals Court Blocks Ariz. 20-Week Abortion Ban From Taking Effect
Thursday, August 2, 2012
A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday temporarily blocked an Arizona law (HB 2036) that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, Reuters reports.

La. Abortion Laws Take Effect
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Two laws took effect on Aug. 1 that place further restrictions on abortion care in Louisiana, WRKF reports

House Rejects D.C. 20-Week Abortion Ban; Similar Amendment Filed in Senate
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
The House on Tuesday failed to approve a bill (HR 3803) that would have banned abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy in the District of Columbia, The Hill's "Healthwatch" reports.

Recent Court Rulings Fail To Preserve Women's Constitutional Rights, New York Times Editorial States
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
"At a time when abortion rights and women's access to affordable contraception are threatened by political attacks, judges in three newly decided federal cases failed to preserve constitutional protections for women," a New York Times editorial states.

Federal Judge Upholds Ariz. Law Banning Abortion After 20 Weeks
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
U.S. District Judge James Teilborg on Monday upheld an Arizona law (HB 2036) that bans abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, clearing the way for the measure to take effect on Thursday, the AP/Washington Post reports.

D.C. 20-Week Abortion Ban Bill a 'Cynical Exploitation' of the District, Washington Post Editorial States
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
The House leadership's decision to vote on a bill (HR 3803) that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy in the District of Columbia shows "it thinks infringing on the authority of a local government to limit women's constitutional rights is no big deal," a Washington Post editorial states.

Stereotypes of 'Late-Term Aborters' Hide Truth, Opinion Piece Argues
Monday, July 30, 2012
In a Washington Post opinion piece about a bill (HR 3803) that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy in the District of Columbia, Christy Zink describes her experience terminating "a much-wanted pregnancy at almost 22 weeks, when her baby was found to have severe fetal anomalies of the brain."

House To Vote on D.C. 20-Week Abortion Ban
Monday, July 30, 2012
The House on Tuesday is scheduled to vote on a bill (HR 3803) that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy in the District of Columbia, The Hill's "Healthwatch" reports.

Judge Weighs Challenges to Ariz. 20-Week Abortion Ban
Thursday, July 26, 2012
U.S. District Judge James Teilborg on Wednesday heard arguments in a lawsuit challenging a new Arizona law (HB 2036) that bans abortion beginning at 20 weeks after a woman's last menstrual period, the AP/Arizona Republic reports.

House Panel Approves 20-Week Abortion Ban for Washington, D.C.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
The House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday voted 18-14 along party lines to approve a bill (HR 3803) that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy in the District of Columbia, CQ Today reports.

Lawsuit Challenges Ariz. 20-Week Abortion Ban
Friday, July 13, 2012
A federal lawsuit filed on Thursday seeks to block a new Arizona law (HB 2036) that bans abortion beginning at 20 weeks after a woman's last period, the New York Times reports.

High Number of State Abortion Restrictions Marked by Increased Focus on 'Fetal Pain' Bills
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
The number of state-level abortion restrictions is approaching record-setting levels again this year, a fact that some abortion-rights opponents attribute to their increased focus on so-called "fetal pain" legislation, Stateline/Kaiser Health News reports.

N.H. Legislature Overrides Veto on Abortion Procedure Ban
Friday, June 29, 2012
The New Hampshire Legislature on Wednesday voted to override Gov. John Lynch's (D) veto of legislation (HB 1679) that would prohibit so-called "partial-birth" abortion, the New Hampshire Union Leader reports.

Ohio House Republicans Introduce Bill To Ban Sex-Selective Abortion
Friday, June 22, 2012
Two Ohio House lawmakers last week introduced legislation (HB 570) that would ban abortion based on the sex of the fetus, the Columbus Dispatch reports.

N.H. Gov. Vetoes Abortion Procedure Ban
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch (D) on Friday vetoed a bill (HB 1679) that would have prohibited the procedure that abortion-rights opponents call "partial-birth" abortion, the AP/Boston Globe reports.

Mich. Lawmakers To Perform 'The Vagina Monologues' Outside Capitol To Protest Being Silenced During Abortion Bill Debate
Monday, June 18, 2012
Nine Michigan legislators on Monday evening will join actresses from around the state to read the play "The Vagina Monologues" on the steps of the state Capitol after two female Democratic representatives on Thursday were banned from speaking in the chamber because of comments they made during debate over antiabortion legislation, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Mich. Female Lawmakers Blocked From Speaking After Comments Over Abortion Bills
Friday, June 15, 2012
Michigan House Republican leaders refused to allow two female Democratic lawmakers to speak about any issues on the last day of the session Thursday because of comments they made during debate over a package of antiabortion bills (HB 5711, HB 5712, HB 5713), the Detroit Free Press reports.

Mich. Abortion Bills Add 'More Hardship' for Women, Editorial Argues
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
A three-bill package (HB 5711, HB 5712, HB 5713) approved by a Michigan House committee last week would create "new roadblocks" to abortion and attempt "to make it rarer by making it prohibitively expensive," a Detroit Free-Press editorial states.

Mich. House Panel Advances Package of Abortion Restrictions
Friday, June 8, 2012
The Michigan House Health Policy Committee on Thursday advanced a three-bill package (HB 5711, HB 5712, HB 5713) that would impose several new abortion restrictions, including a ban on the procedure after 20 weeks of pregnancy, the Detroit News reports.

La. House Passes 20-Week Abortion Ban
Monday, June 4, 2012
The Louisiana House on Friday unanimously approved a bill (SB 766) that would prohibit abortion beyond 20 weeks after fertilization, Reuters/Columbus Republic reports.

Washington Post Editorial Criticizes Rep. Franks' Measure To Restrict Abortion Access in D.C.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
If Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) "is so interested in running the affairs of [Washington, D.C.] residents, as evidenced by his effort to restrict their abortion rights, then let him deal with all the other issues of local government," a Washington Post editorial states.

La. Senate Approves Bill Banning Abortion After 20 Weeks
Thursday, May 24, 2012
The Louisiana Senate on Tuesday voted 35-0 to approve a bill (SB 766) that would make it a crime to perform an abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy based on the premise that a fetus can feel pain after that stage, WAFB reports.

N.H. House Rejects Amendment To Ban Abortion After 20 Weeks of Pregnancy
Monday, May 21, 2012
The New Hampshire House on Thursday rejected an amendment that would have banned abortion care after 20 weeks of pregnancy, except when necessary to save the woman's life or avoid serious, permanent physical impairment, the AP/Boston Globe reports.

House Subcommittee Holds Hearing on D.C. Abortion Ban, Bars Del. Norton From Testifying
Friday, May 18, 2012
The House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution on Thursday heard testimony on a bill (HR 3803) that would prohibit abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy in Washington, D.C., except to save the woman from death or "irreversible physical impairment," the Washington Times reports.

La. Committees Advance Abortion Restrictions, Ask Congress To Defund Planned Parenthood
Friday, May 18, 2012
Committees in the Louisiana Senate and House on Wednesday approved various bills that would increase restrictions on abortion care and oppose funding of Planned Parenthood, the Baton Rouge Advocate reports.

Ga. Gov. Deal Signs 20-Week Abortion Ban That Includes Exceptions for 'Medically Futile' Pregnancies
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal (R) on Tuesday signed into law legislation (HB 954) that prohibits abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, except to save a woman's life or if the fetus has severe defects that make survival unlikely, Reuters/Chicago Tribune reports.

Miss. Senate Committee Chair Drops 'Heartbeat' Bill
Monday, April 30, 2012
Mississippi Senate Judiciary B Committee Chair Hob Bryan (D) on Thursday dropped a bill (SB 2771) that would ban abortion if a fetal heartbeat is detectable, saying the measure "is clearly not constitutional," the AP/Hattiesburg American reports.

N.H. Senate Votes on Series of Bills Targeting Women's Health
Thursday, April 26, 2012
The New Hampshire Senate on Wednesday debated a series of abortion- and reproductive health-related measures, rejecting several and advancing two, the Concord Monitor reports.

Idaho Lawyer Hopes To Become Plaintiff in Lawsuit Challenging 'Fetal Pain,' Self-Induced Abortion Laws
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
An Idaho lawyer who is representing a woman challenging state antiabortion laws is attempting to enter the case as a plaintiff, the AP/Yahoo! News reports.

Number of State Antiabortion Bills Down Slightly From This Time Last Year, Guttmacher Reports
Monday, April 16, 2012
At least 75 bills restricting abortion rights have passed at least one state legislative chamber in the first three months of 2012, according to a report released Friday by the Guttmacher Institute, the Washington Times reports.

Ariz. Gov. Brewer Signs Sweeping Antiabortion Bill That Includes 20-Week Ban, Medication Abortion Restrictions
Friday, April 13, 2012
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer (R) on Thursday signed into law a bill (HB 2036) that includes several abortion restrictions, including a ban on the procedure after 20 weeks of gestation in nearly all cases and other limits on abortion, Reuters reports.

Miss. House Adds 'Heartbeat' Amendment to Homicide Bill
Thursday, April 12, 2012
The Mississippi House on Tuesday voted 76-39 to revive legislation that would ban abortion if a fetal heartbeat is detectable, the AP/10TV reports.

Ariz. 20-Week Abortion Ban Goes To Gov. Brewer
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
The Arizona House on Tuesday voted 37-22 to approve a bill (HB 2036) that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of gestation in nearly all cases, the AP/U-T San Diego reports.

Miss. Senate Committees Approve Restrictions on Abortion Providers, Reject Two Antiabortion Bills
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
The Mississippi Senate Public Health Committee on Tuesday approved a bill (HB 1390) that would place new restrictions on abortion providers, while the Senate Judiciary B Committee refrained from voting on two other abortion bills, the AP/Hattiesburg American reports.

Ga. Legislature Approves 20-Week Abortion Ban With Exemption for 'Medically Futile' Pregnancies
Monday, April 2, 2012
After a last-minute compromise, the Georgia Legislature on Thursday approved a bill (HB 954) that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

N.H. House Advances Bill To Ban Abortion After 20 Weeks of Pregnancy
Monday, April 2, 2012
The New Hampshire House last week voted 190-109 to approve a bill (HB 1660) that would prohibit abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, the AP/Boston Globe reports.

Ariz. Senate Advances 20-Week Abortion Ban
Friday, March 30, 2012
The Arizona Senate on Tuesday voted 20-10 to approve a bill (HB 2036) that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of gestation, except in medical emergencies, Reuters reports.

Ga. House Leader Rejects Senate's Changes to 20-Week Abortion Ban
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Georgia House Speaker David Ralston (R) on Tuesday rejected the Senate's changes to a bill (HB 954) that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, essentially bringing the legislation to a standstill, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Ga. Senate Approves 20-Week Abortion Ban After Adding Exception for 'Medically Futile' Pregnancies
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
The Georgia Senate on Monday voted 36-19 to approve an amended version of a bill (HB 954) that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, when supporters of the measure claim that a fetus can feel pain, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Ariz. Senate Approves 20-Week Abortion Ban, Longer Waiting Period
Monday, March 26, 2012
The Arizona Senate on Thursday gave preliminary approval to a bill (HB 2036) that would ban abortion in the state after 20 weeks of gestation, the AP/Arizona Republic reports.

Ky. House Panel Rejects Several Antiabortion Bills
Monday, March 26, 2012
The Kentucky House Health and Welfare Committee on Thursday rejected several antiabortion-rights bills, including a measure (SB 103) that would have required a woman to obtain an ultrasound before an abortion, the AP/Appleton Post Crescent reports.

Ga. Senate Committee Advances 'Fetal Pain' Bill
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
A Georgia Senate committee on Monday approved a bill (HB 954) that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, when supporters of the measure claim that a fetus can start to feel pain, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Miss. House Approves Bill Banning Abortion if Fetal Heartbeat is Detectable
Friday, March 16, 2012
The Mississippi House on Wednesday passed a bill (HB 1196) that would require a doctor to attempt to detect a fetal heartbeat before an abortion and prohibit the procedure if one is detectable, the AP/Biloxi Sun Herald reports.

N.H. House Approves Waiting Period, Counseling Requirements Before Abortion Care
Thursday, March 15, 2012
The New Hampshire House on Wednesday approved a bill (HB 1659) that would require a woman seeking abortion care to first wait 24 hours, during which time she would have to meet with a doctor to review information and materials about the procedure, the Huffington Post reports.

Planned Parenthood Southeast at Center of Women's Health Debates in Ga.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Amid a fight against a Georgia bill that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of gestation, Planned Parenthood Southeast also is battling opponents' attempts to vilify the organization and misrepresent its mission, the Atlanta-Journal Constitution reports.

DC Vote Targets Rep. Franks Over 'Fetal Pain' Bill
Monday, March 12, 2012
DC Vote has launched a Google, Facebook and newspaper ad campaign targeting Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) for introducing a bill (HR 3803) that would ban abortion care after 20 weeks of pregnancy in Washington, D.C., Roll Call reports.

Ga. House Approves 'Fetal Pain' Bill To Ban Abortion After 20 Weeks
Thursday, March 1, 2012
The Georgia House on Wednesday voted to approve a bill (HB 954) that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, when supporters of the measure claim that a fetus begins to feel pain, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Washington, D.C., Officials Criticize Efforts To Ban Abortion After 20 Weeks in District
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Washington, D.C., officials and abortion-rights groups held a press conference on Tuesday to express opposition to federal legislation that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of gestation in the district, Roll Call reports.

Iowa Bill Aims To Ban Abortion at Any Point in Pregnancy
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
A bill (HF 2298) proposed in the Iowa House aims to ban abortion in the state by removing all mentions of permitting the procedure from state laws, the Quad-City Times reports.

Sen. Lee Introduces Bill To Restrict Abortion in Washington, D.C.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) on Monday introduced legislation that would prohibit abortion after 20 weeks of gestation in Washington, D.C., the Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Kan. Legislature To Consider Sweeping Antiabortion Bill
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Kansas lawmakers this week will consider a complex antiabortion-rights bill with provisions ranging from requiring that women receive warnings about the supposed risks of abortion care to changing medical malpractice and tax laws, the Huffington Post reports.

Fla. House Democrats Push Back Against Antiabortion Bills
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
A Florida House committee on Tuesday approved a bill (HB 839) that would prohibit abortion care after 20 weeks of gestation, as well a second measure (HB 1327) that seeks to outlaw abortions based on race or sex, the Florida Independent reports.

N.H. Committee Hears Testimony on Antiabortion Bills
Friday, January 27, 2012
Lawmakers debated four antiabortion-rights bills during a hearing of New Hampshire's Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, the New Hampshire Union Leader reports.

Review Summarizes 'Unprecedented' State Action on Reproductive Health Restrictions in 2011
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Last year "saw unprecedented attention to issues related to reproductive health and rights at the state level," with lawmakers introducing more than 1,100 reproductive health- and rights-related provisions by year's end, according to a Guttmacher Institute state policy review. Thirty-six states enacted 135 such provisions (92 restricted abortion access), compared with 89 in 2010 and 77 in 2009. Victories for reproductive-rights supporters "were few and far between" in 2011, with a handful of states expanding access to family planning and sexually transmitted infection prevention and treatment.

Fla. House Panel Advances Bills To Restrict Abortion Access
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Florida House subcommittee on Tuesday approved three antiabortion-rights measures, including provisions that would require a 24-waiting period before the procedure, prohibit abortion for reasons related to sex or race and ban abortion care after 20 weeks of gestation, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.

Bill Would Ban Abortion After 20 Weeks in District of Columbia
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) this week plans to introduce legislation that would prohibit abortion after 20 weeks of gestation in Washington, D.C., the Washington Post's "District of DeBonis" blog reports.

Many Ohio Senate Lawmakers Returning 'Heartbeat' Teddy Bears
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Many Ohio state senators have decided to return the teddy bears they were given last week by a group lobbying for the state's so-called "heartbeat" bill (HB 125), the Columbus Dispatch reports.

States Passed More Abortion Restrictions in 2011 Than in Decades
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
In 2011, state-level legislation to limit abortion rights did more to reshape access to the procedure "than any other year in three decades," Sarah Kliff writes in the Washington Post's "Wonkblog."

Fla. Bill Would Ban Abortion After 20 Weeks Based on 'Fetal Pain'
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Florida Rep. Daniel Davis (R) has filed a bill (HB 839) that would ban abortion care after 20 weeks of pregnancy, when many abortion-rights opponents claim that a fetus begins to feel pain, the Florida Times-Union reports.

Groups Urge Lawmakers To Oppose D.C. Abortion Ban in Spending Bill
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Several liberal groups on Wednesday sent a letter urging congressional lawmakers to oppose any omnibus spending bill that includes a rider banning the District of Columbia from using local funds for abortion care, Roll Call reports.

Ohio Senate President Halts Further Hearings on 'Heartbeat' Legislation
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Ohio Senate President Tom Niehaus (R) on Wednesday suspended any further hearings on a so-called "heartbeat" bill (HB 125), saying that amendments submitted by supporters have created confusion about the legislation, the AP/Washington Post reports.

D.C. Abortion Ban Among Unresolved Issues in Omnibus Debate
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Congressional negotiators are yet to resolve a handful of policy issues in a 2012 omnibus spending bill, including whether to include a ban on the District of Columbia's use of local funds to pay for abortion care for low-income women, National Journal reports.

Ohio Senators Begin Hearings on 'Heartbeat' Bill
Friday, December 9, 2011
An Ohio Senate committee on Wednesday heard testimony from supporters of a bill (HB 125) that would ban abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detectable, which can occur as early as six weeks, the Dayton Daily News report.

ACLU Pledges Lawsuits if Ohio Enacts Antiabortion Bills
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio on Tuesday promised to pursue legal action if state lawmakers approve either of two antiabortion-rights bills being debated this week, Reuters reports.

Ohio 'Heartbeat' Bill Sparks Rift Among Antiabortion-Rights Groups
Monday, December 5, 2011
Antiabortion-rights groups in Ohio are divided over legislation that would ban abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detectable, the New York Times reports.

Ohio Senate Leader Unsure Whether Chamber Will Vote on 'Heartbeat' Bill
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Ohio Senate President Tom Niehaus (R) on Tuesday said he has not decided whether his chamber will vote on the so-called "heartbeat" bill before the end of the year, AP/Lancaster Eagle-Gazette reports.

Tenn. To Vote on Antiabortion Ballot Measure in 2014
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Tennessee voters in 2014 will consider a state constitutional amendment (SJR 127) that seeks to expand the state's ability to restrict abortion rights, My Fox Memphis reports.

Mich. Gov. Snyder Signs Bill Banning 'Partial-Birth' Abortion
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder (R) on Tuesday signed a bill (SB 160) into law that prohibits a procedure opponents call "partial-birth" abortion, mirroring a similar federal law, AP/WDIV reports.

Ohio Senate Passes New Abortion Restrictions
Thursday, September 29, 2011
The Ohio Senate on Tuesday voted 23-8 to approve legislation (HB 63) that would put new requirements on judges who are considering whether to allow a minor to have an abortion without parental consent, the AP/Houston Chronicle reports.

Idaho Woman Wins Court Order Against Self-Induced Abortion Law
Monday, September 26, 2011
U.S. District Judge Lynn Winmill on Friday ruled in favor of an Idaho woman who was charged with violating a decades-old state law prohibiting self-induced abortion after she terminated her own pregnancy using pills purchased over the Internet, Reuters reports.

Mich. Lawmakers Set To Vote on 'Partial-Birth' Abortion Ban
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
The Republican-controlled Michigan Legislature on Wednesday is expected to approve a set of bills (HB 4109, HB 4110, SB 160 and SB 161) that would ban a procedure opponents call "partial-birth" abortion, the Detroit News reports.

Ohio Abortion-Rights Opponents Push for 'Heartbeat' Bill
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Hundreds of abortion-rights opponents rallied at the Ohio Statehouse on Tuesday to call for passage of a bill that would ban abortion after the first detectable fetal heartbeat, Reuters reports.

Idaho Woman Challenges 'Fetal Pain,' Self-Induced Abortion Laws
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
An Idaho woman who terminated her own pregnancy with medication purchased over the Internet has filed a lawsuit challenging a new state law banning abortion after 20 weeks of gestation, as well as a decades-old state law prohibiting self-induced abortion, Reuters reports.

Neb. Abortion Laws Take Effect
Friday, August 26, 2011
On Saturday, two Nebraska abortion laws will take effect, including one requiring minors to obtain written, notarized permission from a parent or guardian before accessing abortion services, and one banning the use of telemedicine for abortion services, the Omaha World-Herald reports.

Ohio Gov. Signs Bill To Ban Abortion After 20 Weeks of Pregnancy
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) on Wednesday signed into law a bill (HB 78) that bans abortion care after 20 weeks of pregnancy, unless the woman's life is at risk or a doctor determines that the fetus could not survive outside the womb, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Kan. Abortion Opponents Seek Even More Restrictions
Monday, July 18, 2011
After winning passage of several bills this legislative session, Kansas antiabortion-rights groups are planning to push for more measures in the fall to restrict abortion access, the AP/Wichita Eagle reports.

Mo. Gov. Allows Abortion Restrictions To Become Law Without His Signature
Friday, July 15, 2011
Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon (D) on Thursday announced he would allow the enactment of a bill (SB 65) that would prohibit abortion after viability and add restrictions and penalties for physicians who provide abortion services later in pregnancy, the AP/Washington Post reports.

Ohio Senate Approves 20-Week Abortion Ban Unless Doctor Certifies Fetus is not Viable
Thursday, July 14, 2011
The Ohio Senate on Wednesday voted 22-7 to approve a bill (HB 78) that would ban abortion care after 20 weeks of pregnancy, except in cases of medical emergencies or if a doctor determines that the fetus could not survive outside the womb, the Columbus Dispatch reports.

Planned Parenthood Takes Up Multiple Legal Challenges Nationwide
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Planned Parenthood is fighting an "increasingly aggressive campaign" against legislation in several states that restricts abortion rights or cuts off funding to the organization, Politico reports.