For women in the U.S., this week is usually a cause for celebrating the date in 1920, when our right to vote was finally enshrined in the Constitution. But this year is marked by a cruel irony. On Thursday, laws in Texas, Tennessee and Idaho will take effect that either outlaw abortion entirely, or increase penalties for doctors who perform an abortion. The very next day, the U.S. will commemorate Women’s Equality Day. You’ll understand if we don’t feel much like celebrating.
Abortion bans harm women—not only their health, but also by denying them equal opportunities in education, employment and politics. A report conducted by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) estimates if all state-level abortion restrictions were eliminated, there would be over a half a million more women aged 15 to 44 in the labor force.
Before this week, total bans were already in effect Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma and South Dakota.
The three more scheduled to take effect this week are summarized below.
Idaho
Idaho’s “trigger” law, set to take effect Thursday, bans all abortions, except in cases involving rape or when a woman’s life is in danger.
But the law could still be blocked: Earlier this month, the Biden administration filed a lawsuit against Idaho for restricting access to abortion to patients who need lifesaving medical treatment. This case marked the first Justice Department challenge since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade at the end of June. A federal judge in Idaho will rule by Wednesday if the law is allowed to take effect.
Tennessee
Since the fall of Roe, Tennessee has had a six-week ban in place. (Most women do not know they are pregnant at this time, since a six-week ban only gives a pregnant person two weeks after their missed period to obtain an abortion.)
On Thursday, Aug. 25, nearly all abortions will be outlawed. The law makes no exceptions for rape or incest.
Texas
In Texas, abortion is already outlawed outright, thanks to an old 1925 law that Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) declared in effect once Roe was overturned.
On Thursday, a new law will take effect to increase the punishment for anyone who performs an abortion: life in prison and fines no less than $100,000.
Indiana and Arizona Bans to Take Effect in September
Indiana was the first state to pass a new abortion restriction after Roe v. Wade‘s overturn. The law, Senate Bill 1, bans nearly all abortions and takes effect on Sept. 15. The law does make exceptions in the case of rape, incest or medical emergency, but complicated process is required for such abortions to be performed.
A law in Arizona banning abortion after 15 weeks is scheduled to go into effect on Sept. 24. In the meantime, Attorney General Mark Brnovich (R)—who is up for reelection in November—is pushing for a stricter one.
Editor’s note: Ms. is keeping track of the changing landscape of abortion care and will continue to update this tracker as state policies continue to morph and change.
The Center for Reproductive Rights’ “After Roe Fell” tool examines state-level laws and policies. Its interactive maps group states into five categories: expanded access, protected, not protected, hostile and illegal.
U.S. democracy is at a dangerous inflection point—from the demise of abortion rights, to a lack of pay equity and parental leave, to skyrocketing maternal mortality, and attacks on trans health. Left unchecked, these crises will lead to wider gaps in political participation and representation. For 50 years, Ms. has been forging feminist journalism—reporting, rebelling and truth-telling from the front-lines, championing the Equal Rights Amendment, and centering the stories of those most impacted. With all that’s at stake for equality, we are redoubling our commitment for the next 50 years. In turn, we need your help, Support Ms. today with a donation—any amount that is meaningful to you. For as little as $5 each month, you’ll receive the print magazine along with our e-newsletters, action alerts, and invitations to Ms. Studios events and podcasts. We are grateful for your loyalty and ferocity.
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