A number of state legislatures and organizations put barriers between women and abortion care by directly interfering with a woman's medical care. Most restrictions on medication abortion have no medical basis and only serve to limit women’s access to medical care. These include restrictions on how medication abortion can be used, as well as limitations on the use of telemedicine. These restrictions particularly impact rural women and other women in areas without regular reproductive health care providers.
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Ind. Gov. Pence Signs Law Adding New Restrictions on Medication Abortions
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R) on Wednesday signed into law a bill (SB 371) that imposes stricter regulations on clinics that offer medication abortions and prohibits the provision of abortion-inducing drugs after nine weeks of pregnancy, the Lafayette Journal and Courier reports.
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La. Senate Advances Bill Requiring Physician's Presence During Medication Abortions
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
The Louisiana Senate on Monday voted 32-2 to advance a bill (SB 90) that would ban the use of telemedicine during the provision of medication abortions, AP/KSLA reports.
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Planned Parenthood Criticizes La. Bill That Would Restrict Telemedicine, Medication Abortion
Monday, April 22, 2013
A Louisiana bill (SB 90) that would restrict medication abortion access is unnecessary and inaccurately implies that the method is unsafe, according to Planned Parenthood officials, Healthcare IT News reports.
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Judge Intends To Strike Down N.D. Law Governing Medication Abortions
Friday, April 19, 2013
A North Dakota judge on Thursday said he plans to strike down as unconstitutional a 2011 state law that would have effectively banned medication abortions, the Grand Forks Herald reports.
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Mo. House Gives Preliminary Approval To Medication Abortion Restrictions
Friday, April 19, 2013
The Missouri House this week approved a bill (HB 400) that would impose additional requirements on the provision of medication abortions, the Missouri Times reports.
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La. Senate Panel Passes Bill Requiring Doctors To Be Present for Medication Abortions
Friday, April 19, 2013
A Louisiana Senate committee on Wednesday advanced a bill (SB 90) that would prohibit the use of telemedicine during medication abortion care, the Baton Rouge Advocate reports.
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Ark. Senator Drops Telemedicine Measure
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Arkansas Sen. Missy Irvin (R) on Tuesday said she will not move forward with an effort to ban the use of telemedicine during the provision of medication abortions, AP/Arkansas Business reports.
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Miss. Bill Restricting Medication Abortion Goes To Gov. Bryant
Friday, April 5, 2013
The Mississippi Senate on Wednesday voted 46-6 to give final passage to a bill (SB 2795) that would tighten restrictions on medication abortions, including requiring that a physician be present when a woman takes the drugs, the AP/Mississippi Business Journal reports.
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Ala. Gov. Bentley Poised To Sign Abortion Clinic Regulations
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley (R) on Wednesday affirmed that he will sign legislation (HB 57) to impose stricter regulations on abortion clinics, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
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Ind. House Advances Bill Restricting Clinics That Offer Medication Abortions
Thursday, April 4, 2013
The Indiana House on Tuesday approved a bill (SB 371) that would require clinics that offer medication abortions to adhere to the same standards as facilities that perform surgical procedures, Reuters reports.
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Ind. House Panel Advances Medication Abortion Restrictions After Omitting Mandatory Ultrasound Provision
Friday, March 29, 2013
The Indiana House Public Policy Committee on Wednesday voted 8-5 to advance a bill (SB 371) that would tighten restrictions on clinics that provide medication abortions, the Indianapolis Star reports.
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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.
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Ala. Gov. Pledges To Sign Abortion Clinic Regulations if Passed by Legislature
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley (R) said at a recent antiabortion-rights rally that he would sign a bill (HB 57) to more strictly regulate abortion clinics if it passes the Senate, the AP/Chattanooga Times Free Press reports.
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Featured Blogs
Friday, March 1, 2013
"Medicaid Coverage for Abortion Care Elusive Even in States Where it is Legal" (Herold, RH Reality Check, 2/26) and "Hope in Indiana? Both Republicans and Democrats Express Reservations on Banning Medication Abortion" (Marty, RH Reality Check, 2/26).
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Texas Senate Considers Bill To Restrict Medication Abortion
Thursday, February 28, 2013
A bill (SB 97) pending in the Texas Senate would require physicians to personally administer the two drugs involved in medication abortion, which must be taken 24 hours apart, and follow up within two weeks, the Texas Tribune reports.
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Ind. Senate Approves New Restrictions on Clinics That Provide Medication Abortion
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
The Indiana Senate on Tuesday voted 33-16 to approve a bill (SB 371) that would tighten restrictions on clinics that provide medication abortion and require physicians to perform ultrasounds on women before prescribing them the drugs, the AP/U-T San Diego reports.
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Ind. Senate Panel Advances Bill Restricting Medication Abortion Providers
Friday, February 22, 2013
The Indiana Senate Health Committee on Wednesday voted 7-5 to pass a bill (SB 371) that would tighten restrictions on clinics that provide medication abortion, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
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Ala. House Passes Stricter Abortion Clinic Regulations
Thursday, February 21, 2013
The Alabama House on Tuesday voted 73-23 to approve a measure (HB 57) that would increase regulations on abortion clinics, the Montgomery Advertiser reports.
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Jurisdictional Issues Preclude Settlement Over Wis. Medication Abortion Law
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin on Friday said it would end its federal lawsuit over a state medication abortion law (Act 217) and refile the suit in state court after jurisdictional issues impeded a settlement in the case, the Wisconsin State Journal reports.
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Featured Blogs
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
"North Dakota's War on Women: The State's Top 5 Attacks on Women's Health So Far This Year" (Culp-Ressler, Center for American Progress' "ThinkProgress," 2/8) and "Five Facts To Remember as Anti-Choice Activists Launch Attacks Against 'Webcam Abortions'" (Culp-Ressler, Center for American Progress' "ThinkProgress," 2/11).
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State Efforts To Ban Telemedicine for Medication Abortion Care Gaining Steam
Monday, February 11, 2013
Telemedicine bans are abortion-rights opponents' latest tactic to restrict access to medication abortion, and the laws have been implemented in several states that do not even offer the service, Bloomberg reports.
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Miss. Senate Panel Approves Bill To Limit Medication Abortion
Thursday, February 7, 2013
The Mississippi Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee on Tuesday approved a bill (SB 2795) that would tighten restrictions on medication abortion, the AP/Jackson Clarion-Ledger reports.
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Antiabortion-Rights State Lawmakers Hope To Continue Momentum of Last Two Years
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Emboldened by new Republican majorities in three states and GOP control of both legislative chambers in 26 states, abortion-rights opponents are working to build on the momentum of the last two years, when 135 state abortion restrictions were enacted, Bloomberg reports.
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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.
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Proposed Texas Bill Would Require Physicians To Administer Medication Abortion Drugs in Person
Monday, January 7, 2013
Texas Sen. Dan Patrick (R) plans to introduce legislation that would create new protocols for physicians who provide medication abortions, the Victoria Advocate/Huffington Post reports.
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Mich. Gov. Snyder Signs Sweeping Antiabortion Bill
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder (R) on Dec. 28 signed a broad measure (HB 5711) that imposes several new restrictions on abortion rights, Reuters reports.
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Mich. House Sends Sweeping Antiabortion Bill to Gov. Snyder
Friday, December 14, 2012
The Michigan House on Thursday approved legislation (HB 5711) that would impose several new restrictions on abortion, although lawmakers removed one controversial provision relating to the disposal of fetal remains, the Detroit Free Press reports.
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Mich. Senate Approves Bills on Patient 'Risk Assessments,' Abortion Clinic Inspections
Thursday, December 13, 2012
The Michigan Senate on Wednesday voted 27-10 to approve broad legislation (HB 5711) that would place several new restrictions on abortion providers, MLive reports.
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Planned Parenthood Challenges Wis. Medication Abortion Law
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin on Tuesday filed suit against a state law that requires physicians to complete a series of steps before prescribing medication abortion drugs, the Fond du Lac Reporter reports.
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Okla. Court's Rejection of Antiabortion Laws Should 'Be a Message to Lawmakers,' Editorial State
Friday, December 7, 2012
The Oklahoma Supreme Court's recent rejection of two state antiabortion laws should "be a message to lawmakers to give up on this line of legislation," a Tulsa World editorial states.
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Featured Blogs
Friday, December 7, 2012
"Michigan Lawmakers are Trying To Sneak Through Extreme Abortion Restrictions in Lame Duck Session," (Tara Culp-Ressler, RH Reality Check, 12/6).
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Appeals Court Declines Request To Reconsider Ohio Medication Abortion Restrictions
Thursday, December 6, 2012
The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday denied Planned Parenthood's request to reconsider its ruling that upheld a 2004 Ohio law (Section 2919.123 (A)) that restricts the use of a medication abortion drug, Ms. Magazine's "Feminist Newswire" reports.
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Okla. Supreme Court Rejects Ultrasound, Medication Abortion Laws
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
The Oklahoma Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld rulings rejecting two state laws that required women seeking an abortion to view an ultrasound image and restrict the use of medication abortion drugs, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
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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.
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Texas Bill Would Require Doctors To Administer Medication Abortion Drugs in Person
Monday, November 26, 2012
Texas Sen. Dan Patrick (R) recently filed a bill (SB 97) that would effectively prohibit the use of telemedicine to provide medication abortion remotely, the Texas Tribune reports.
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Featured Blogs
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
"Ohio is the Latest Battlefield in the War on Contraception," (Amanda Marcotte, RH Reality Check, 11/18) and "How Video Technology has Improved Abortion Access for Women in Rural Iowa," (Tara Culp-Ressler, Center for American Progress' "ThinkProgress," 11/16).
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Telemedicine Program Aids Abortion Access, Does Not Affect Number of Procedures, Study Finds
Friday, November 16, 2012
An Iowa-based program that uses telemedicine to provide medication abortion improved access to the procedure, but it did not increase the number of abortions in the state, according to a study published on Thursday in the American Journal of Public Health, the Des Moines Register reports.
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Texas Bills for 2013 Include Medication Abortion Restrictions, Women's Health Program Changes
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Texas lawmakers on Monday pre-filed more than 200 bills for the 2013 legislative session, including one that would restrict medication abortion and another that would allow affiliates of abortion providers to continue participating in the state's Women's Health Program, KVUE reports.
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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.
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Featured Blogs
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
"Getting Reproductive Rights out of Politics" (Nancy Northup, Huffington Post blogs, 11/5).
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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.
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Appeals Court Upholds Ohio Restrictions on Medication Abortion
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
A federal appeals court on Tuesday upheld a 2004 Ohio law that restricts the use of a medication abortion drug, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
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Ind. Lawmakers Weigh Restrictions on Medication Abortion Providers
Monday, October 1, 2012
Indiana legislators are considering rewriting the definition of an abortion clinic to include facilities that offer medication abortion, the AP/South Bend Tribune reports.
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Nova Health Systems v. Edmondson
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Challenge to an Oklahoma law which prohibits a woman from getting an abortion unless she first has an ultrasound image and listens to her doctor describe the image in detail. Current Status: In March 2012, the U.S. District Court struck down the law as unconstitutional.
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U.S. Circuit Court Set To Hear Challenge to Idaho Abortion Law
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on July 9 is scheduled to hear a case that challenges the constitutionality of an Idaho law that makes it illegal for state residents to obtain medication abortion drugs from out-of-state doctors through the Internet, the Los Angeles Times reports.
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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.
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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.
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Mich. House Approves Sweeping Antiabortion Bill, Stalls on 20-Week Ban
Thursday, June 14, 2012
The Michigan House on Wednesday voted 70-39 to approve a bill (HB 5711) that would place several new restrictions on abortion providers, the Detroit Free Press reports.
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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.
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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.
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Okla. Court Strikes Down Medication Abortion Law
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Oklahoma District Court Judge Donald Worthington has struck down a state law (HB 1970) restricting the use of medication abortion drugs, the AP/NECN reports.
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Minn. Gov. Dayton Vetoes Medication Abortion Restrictions
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton (D) on Monday vetoed a bill (SF 2128) that would have required doctors to be physically present when administering medication abortion drugs, the Minneapolis Star Tribune's "Hot Dish Politics" reports.
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Minn. House Passes Medication Abortion Restrictions
Monday, April 30, 2012
The Minnesota House on Thursday voted 76-47 to approve a bill (SF 2128) that would require doctors to be physically present when prescribing medication abortion drugs, as well as when the woman takes the medication, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
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Minn. House Approves Medication Abortion Restrictions
Friday, April 20, 2012
Minnesota House lawmakers on Wednesday voted 80-48 to approve a bill (SF 2128) that would require doctors to be physically present when administering medication abortion drugs, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
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Mo. House Gives Preliminary Approval to Medication Abortion Restrictions
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
The Missouri House on Tuesday gave preliminary approval to a bill (HB 1274) that would increase restrictions on medication abortion, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Wis. Gov. Walker Quietly Signs Bills Placing New Restrictions on Abortion Care, Insurance Coverage, Sex Education
Monday, April 9, 2012
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) on Thursday signed three separate bills restricting abortion care and insurance coverage of the procedure, as well as imposing new requirements for sex education, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports.
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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.
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Four Antiabortion Bills Move Forward in Miss.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Mississippi lawmakers advanced four antiabortion bills on Tuesday, the last day for House and Senate committees to act on general bills and constitutional amendments, AP/Biloxi Sun-Herald reports.
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Minn. Bills Would Require Clinic Inspections, Restrict Medication Abortion Access
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
The Minnesota Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Monday voted to advance two measures that would place new restrictions on abortion clinics and providers, MPR News reports.
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Wis. Senate Passes Bill Tightening Voluntary Consent Requirements, Banning Telemedicine for Abortion Care
Thursday, February 23, 2012
The Wisconsin Senate on Wednesday voted 17-15 to pass a bill that would place new restrictions on abortion care, the AP/Superior Telegram reports.
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District Judge Keeps N.D. Medication Abortion Law From Taking Effect
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
North Dakota District Judge Wickham Corwin on Thursday said an injunction should remain in place against a state law that bans the use of a medication abortion drug, the AP/Jamestown Sun reports.
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Ind. Senate Approves Bill Tightening Restrictions on Medication Abortion
Thursday, February 2, 2012
The Indiana Senate voted 36-0 to approve a bill that would tighten the rules for medication abortion, AP/MSN Money reports. Senate Republicans staged the vote while Democratic senators were attending a right-to-work rally.
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N.D. Medication Abortion Law Remains on Hold After Judge Delays Decision
Monday, January 30, 2012
A North Dakota judge on Friday did not immediately rule on a state law that bans the use of a medication abortion drug, meaning that a temporary restraining order against the statute remains in place, the Forum of Fargo-Moorhead reports.
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Ind. Senate Panel Advances Medication Abortion Bill
Thursday, January 26, 2012
An Indiana Senate committee on Wednesday voted 5-4 to approve a bill that would create new protocols for physicians prescribing mifepristone for mediation abortion, the AP/Chicago Tribune reports.
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Wis. Senate Considers Bill Preventing Webcam Consultations for Abortions
Thursday, December 15, 2011
New legislation (SB 306) introduced in the Wisconsin Senate would require that physicians be in the room with women receiving drugs to induce abortion, thus preventing consultations via webcam, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
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Judge Temporarily Blocks Okla. Law Restricting Use of Abortion Drugs
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Oklahoma County District Judge Daniel Owens on Wednesday granted a temporary injunction against a new state law (HB 1970) that would restrict the use of medication abortion drugs, Reuters reports.
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Lawsuit Challenges Okla. Law Restricting Medication Abortion
Friday, October 7, 2011
The Oklahoma Coalition for Reproductive Justice and Tulsa-based reproductive health care provider Reproductive Services on Wednesday challenged a state law that would restrict the use of medication abortion drugs, The Oklahoman reports.
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N.D. Medication Abortion Law Challenged in Court
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
The Center for Reproductive Rights on Monday filed a lawsuit seeking to block a North Dakota law that would prevent the state's only abortion clinic from providing medication abortion by banning the use of misoprostol, one of the two drugs used in medication abortion, the AP/Grand Forks Herald reports.
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Ariz. Judge Temporarily Halts Abortion Restrictions
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Richard Gama on Wednesday delayed enforcement of new state laws restricting medication abortion services, allowing attorneys to prepare for an Aug. 22 hearing on a legal challenge filed by Planned Parenthood of Arizona, the Arizona Republic reports.
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