By April 1, abortion restrictions had been introduced in 43 states, the study found. Fifty-three abortion restrictions had been approved by a legislative chamber and nine had been enacted.
Many of the new abortion restrictions enacted so far in 2015 would either limit the use of medication abortion or ban abortion at 20 weeks postfertilization, Guttmacher said. The nonprofit called it “a disturbing combination of attempts to curtail access in both the early and later months of pregnancy, potentially leaving women with fewer options and a greatly reduced time frame to get the care they need.”
In Arkansas, a new law was enacted requiring abortion providers to follow protocol included in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved labeling for medication abortion, the study shows. The state also adopted two measures banning telemedicine for medication abortion.
And in West Virginia, the legislature overrode a veto by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin (D) to enact a ban on abortion starting at 20 weeks postfertilization, according to the study. Similar measures are pending in other states.
Additionally, Guttmacher said, legislators in 21 states have introduced 43 provisions seeking to impose targeted regulations on abortion providers, and legislators in 16 states have introduced state versions of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
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