In Washington, D.C.
After Roe in Washington, D.C., abortion is still legal in almost all circumstances. Keep reading to find out more about the district’s post-Roe abortion laws.
THE BIG QUESTION
After Roe, does the District ban nearly all abortions or allow nearly all abortions?
The District of Columbia still allows nearly all abortions now that Roe is overturned. Washington, D.C. recognizes “the right of every individual who becomes pregnant to decide whether to carry a pregnancy to term, to give birth, or to have an abortion.” D.C. Code Ann. § 7-2086.01.
WHAT’S NEXT
What is the District’s next step in the fight for life, now that Roe is overturned?
The District has a long way to go to protect life. The pro-life movement will have to work hard to prevent D.C. from becoming an abortion tourism destination. It will need to work on protecting human life at the most basic level. D.C. must enact parental notification for minors seeking abortion, a third-trimester abortion ban, and legislation to protect children who survive an abortion procedure.
MORE ABOUT WASHINGTON D.C. ABORTION LAWS
Below, we’ve summarized what abortion laws are in your state after Roe.
Abortion Limits, Exceptions and Enforcement
Limitations on abortions
If my state won’t ban all abortions, what are the limits to abortion?
Sadly, D.C. currently has no legal restrictions on abortion.
Exceptions to any limitations
Are there any exceptions to those limitations placed on abortion?
Sadly, D.C. currently has no legal restrictions on abortion, and therefore no exceptions are necessary.
Penalties for performing an illegal abortion
What are the penalties to abortion providers for committing an illegal abortion (one of the forms of abortion that my state has limited under the law)?
Sadly, D.C. currently has no legal restrictions on abortion, therefore no penalties are necessary.
Enforcement
When abortion laws are violated, who can file a lawsuit to enforce their rights and the law?
Sadly, D.C. currently has no legal restrictions on abortion; therefore no legal recourse is necessary.
Special standards of care
Does my state impose a special medical standard of care on abortion providers?
No.
Protecting Fundamental Rights
Parents
Does my state give parents the right to consent for their child to get an abortion?
No.
Medical professionals
Does my state have conscience protections for medical professionals who do not want to participate in abortions?
Individuals may refuse to participate in an abortion. They must notify their immediate supervisor of their conflict with their religious or ethical beliefs. D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 22-B, § 9006.
Babies Born Alive
Are there legal protections for babies born alive following a botched abortion in my state?
No.
Safety & Health of Women
Physician-only requirement
Does an abortion have to be provided by a licensed physician in my state?
No.
Informed consent
Does my state’s law require that a woman give informed consent and/or receive counseling prior to allowing an abortion to be performed?
No.
Waiting period
Does my state place any waiting requirement on abortion so that a mother has more time to decide?
No.
MAKING A MORE PROLIFE WASHINGTON, D.C.
Your state does not (yet!) have a state family policy council working on the issue of life at your state’s capitol. But the need to fight for life in your state is critical!
If you’re interested in helping start a state family policy council in Washington, D.C., please contact us at: Mail@familypolicyalliance.com.
And, be sure to check out the good prolife work being done by our national allies as well and find a way to plug into the #AfterRoe movement!