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Abortion in the District of Columbia is legal at all stages of pregnancy. In 1971, in United States v. Vuitch, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a law saying abortion was allowed for health reasons, which include "psychological and physical well-being". Consequently, the District of Columbia became a destination for women seeking abortions starting that year.
Abortion in Massachusetts is legal at all stages of pregnancy, although terminations after the 24th week can only be performed if a physician determines it to be medically necessary. Modern Massachusetts is considered one of the most pro-choice states in the country: a PEW research poll finding that 74% of residents supported the right to an abortion in all or most cases, a higher percentage than any other state. Marches supporting abortion rights took place as part of the #StoptheBans movement in May 2019.
Abortion in New Jersey is legal at all stages of pregnancy. Abortion related laws were drafted by the legislature by the end of the 1900s. These laws would be addressed in court during the 1800s as they related to application in prosecutions of women for having abortions. During the 1940s, hospitals created committees to approve abortion requests with the goal of trying to reduce the number of abortions performed at them. Currently, there are no required waiting times and parental consent is not required.
Abortion in Maryland is legal up to the point of fetal viability and later when necessary to preserve the life or health of the pregnant person. The first laws regulating abortion in the state were passed in 1867 and 1868, banning abortion except by a physician to "secure the safety of the mother." Abortion providers continued to operate both within and outside of the law. Legal enforcement became more strict from the 1940s through 60s, with numerous police raids on abortion providers. In 1968, Maryland passed a liberalized abortion law that clarified the wording of the previous law, allowing abortion in hospital settings in cases of rape, severe fetal deformity, or when life and health were endangered.
References
- 1 2 3 4 "Dr. Milan Vuitch, 78, Fighter for Abortion Rights," Linda Greenhouse, New York Times, April 11, 1993
- ↑ "Justice Blackmun and the Little People", Mary Meehan, The Human Life Review , Summer 2004
- 1 2 Open City for Abortion, Time, November 21, 1969
- 1 2 3 4 "Ambivalence on Abortion", Time, May 3, 1971
- ↑ U.S. Supreme Court, UNITED STATES v. VUITCH, 402 U.S. 62 (1971)
- 1 2 3 4 Jason DeParle (January 1989). "The worst city government in America - Washington, D.C". Washington Monthly . Archived from the original on 2016-03-10. Retrieved 7 December 2015– via HighBeam.
- ↑ Washington Post, April 29, 1986