Since the 2022 Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, 14 U.S. states have implemented near-total bans on abortion, while additional states have enacted restrictive laws that significantly limit abortion access. These laws vary by state, creating a patchwork of abortion regulations across the country, with some states allowing access with few restrictions and others prohibiting most or all abortions.
With Donald Trump’s recent election, there is speculation that the federal government might further influence abortion policy. While Trump has not made specific new promises regarding abortion laws, his previous appointments to the Supreme Court established a conservative supermajority, which played a key role in overturning Roe v. Wade. If Trump appoints more conservative judges or supports federal legislation, we could see either more restrictive policies nationally or a reinforcement of state-level autonomy in setting abortion laws. Conversely, if Congress shifts toward a pro-choice majority, federal protections might be reinstated.