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The abortion law has been a controversy for a while now. President Trump was trying the law of abortion because he's anti-choice and many others like religious groups. Though some states like Alabama claimed to ban abortions, according to the law abortion is legal in all 50 states. Her body her choice and the Legal system proves that they are promoting fairness by giving these females a choice.

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In 2019 several US states have passed laws which effectively ban abortion, and others have taken steps to drastically restrict abortion access.

Here are 10 key facts about this frightening crackdown on reproductive rights.

1. This has been a long time coming

In 1973 the US Supreme Court ruled that abortion was legal in the landmark case Roe v. Wade. Anti-choice activists and politicians have been working to overturn this decision ever since, and we're now seeing the fruits of that labour. The attacks on Roe also ramped up when President Trump appointed two new judges to the Supreme Court, both of whom have expressed anti-choice views.

But it's important to recognize that the law is not the only factor that determines whether people can access abortions.

Since 1973, anti-choice activists have been steadily chipping away at abortion access. They have done this partly by creating financial and logistical barriers which make it difficult or impossible for people to get abortions - despite what the law says.

2. It's already hard for many people to get abortions in the US

Take Alabama as an example. In May, Alabama's governor signed into law a draconian bill that could punish doctors who perform abortions with life in prison. But in practice abortion is already inaccessible for many people in Alabama.

The Guttmatcher Institute found that in 2014, 93% of Alabama counties had no clinics that provided abortions. This means many people in Alabama have to travel to other states to access abortions. Even then, many people simply cannot afford to end their pregnancies.

This is because Alabama, like many other states, does not include abortion in the list of healthcare services that people with low incomes can access through Medicaid (government-assisted health insurance). Currently all states have to provide public funding for abortions in cases of rape, incest or threat to life - but in many places these exemptions will be irrelevant if harsh new laws come into effect.

3. There are nowhere near enough abortion clinics in the US

There are six states in the US which have only one clinic providing abortion. Twenty-seven major US cities and much of rural America qualify as abortion "deserts", where most people live more than 100 miles away from an abortion provider.

One way that anti-choice activists force essential services out of existence is through targeted regulation of abortion providers, known as TRAP laws. TRAP laws are unnecessary licensing requirements which can make it difficult for abortion service providers to stay open.

For example, state authorities might specify how wide the corridors can be in a building where doctors carry out abortions, the size of parking spaces, or how far away from schools the premises must be. These requirements have nothing to do with patient safety. Instead they are used as a way to put so much pressure on abortion services that they are forced to close.

4. Some states have effectively banned all abortions

Alabama's new law bans all abortion from the time a "woman [is] known to be pregnant" - with no exceptions. This is the harshest law yet.

Five states - Georgia, Ohio, Kentucky, Mississippi and Louisiana - have passed bills which prohibit abortion after about six weeks - before many people even realize they are pregnant.

5. But it's not just outright bans we're worried about

According to the Guttmacher Institute, 42 abortion restrictions were enacted between 1 January and 15 May 2019 alone. This includes measures like prohibiting certain common types of procedure and requiring parental consent for teenagers who need abortions.

6. These new laws will cause deaths and injuries

Anti-abortion laws do not stop or reduce abortions, but they do make them dangerous.

When carried out with the assistance of a trained health-care provider in sanitary conditions, abortions are one of the safest medical procedures available. But when abortions are restricted or criminalized, people are forced to seek unsafe ways to end pregnancies.

Worldwide, an estimated five million women are hospitalized each year for treatment of abortion-related complications and about 47,000 women die.

The US has the highest maternal mortality rate of any developed nation, and states with more restrictive abortion laws already have higher rates of both infant and maternal mortality. That's why these new laws are a recipe for disaster for women's health.

7. These laws are discriminatory

People with low incomes - teenagers, people of colour, migrants and refugees - are hardest hit by abortion restrictions because it is more difficult for them to pay, travel or take time off work.

African-American women are three or four times more likely to die in pregnancy or childbirth than white women in the US, and this shameful inequality will likely be entrenched by new laws making pregnancy more dangerous.

These laws are also another blow to LGBTI people, who have suffered a sustained attack on their rights under the Trump administration. Trans people in the US already face huge barriers to accessing reproductive healthcare, and this raft of new laws will further exclude them

8. Trump's anti-abortion agenda doesn't just affect people in the US

In 2017 President Trump reinstated and expanded a policy called the "global gag rule". This rule states that any overseas organization which receives US global health funding cannot even mention abortion as part of their counselling or education programs-even if the money for these particular programs does not come from the US.

Even if providers think that a pregnancy will put a woman's health at risk, they cannot tell her that abortion is an option or direct her to a safe provider. A recent study found that this policy is making a broad range of services less accessible, including contraceptive services, HIV/AIDS testing and treatment, cervical cancer screening and support for survivors of gender-based violence

9. 73% of Americans want abortion to remain safe and legal

The lawmakers putting these extreme restrictions on abortion access do not represent the views of most Americans.

An independent poll released in January 2019 found that two-thirds of Americans think abortion should be legal in "all" or "most" cases, and 73% are opposed to overturning Roe v. Wade

10. The fight is not over!

None of the abortion bans passed this year has yet taken effect, and abortion is still legal in all 50 states (as of 11 June 2019).

The American Civil Liberties Union, the Planned Parenthood Action Fund and others have vowed to fight back and lawsuits have already been filed in several states.

On 31 May Planned Parenthood won a court order to keep Missouri's only abortion clinic open on the day it was due to close. Kentucky's "six week" bill has been temporarily blocked.

Previously, similar bills have been struck down as unconstitutional in states including Iowa and North Dakota.

In May thousands of people took part in coordinated rallies, calling on states to #stopthebans, and people all over the world continue to raise their voices in defence of reproductive rights.

For more information on why access to abortion is a human right, see Key Facts on Abortion.
Further Reading

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10 things you need to know about abortion laws in the US

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10 key facts about the new anti-abortion laws introduced in US states including Alabama and Missouri - part of a long battle to repeal Roe v. Wade

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Since the pandemic employment rates has went down. People struggling to pay bills and meet the basic needs in life because they are jobless. IDES Acting Director Kristin Richards states "As the state continues to monitor the safety of economic reopening, IDES is committed to continuing to help those who need services,”.This proves that the legal system is doing its job by giving unemployment checks to keep the economy up until people get jobs again.

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To keep us safe and secure the this legal system is making sure we take the pandemic serious. Rules like wearing face mask and standing six feet apart while in public places. They also stated "[They] are committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad",which ges to show they are doing everything possible to stop the spread of the pandemic but also make sure people are receiving income. They explain that state department team is working tirelessly to stop the outbreak which ensures us about their dedication of our safety.

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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

To get the latest information, visit:

What the Department of State Is Doing

The Department of State is taking decisive action to inform and safeguard U.S. citizens overseas, protect the homeland, advance the Administration's commitment to building global health security capacity for this and future outbreaks, and reduce the impact for U.S. companies and supply chains overseas.

Travel Advisories

The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. Learn More →

All State Department Travel Advisories →

International Aid

At President Trump's direction, the Administration is deploying the full range of U.S. resources to contain and prevent the spread of COVID-19 not just at home, but also across the globe:

The United States is prepared to spend up to $100 million in existing State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funds to assist affected and at-risk countries to contain and combat the virus.

USAID has already committed $37 million in assistance and protective equipment for more than 25 countries around the world.

Additionally, the United States has offered to provide humanitarian assistance and medical supplies to the Iranian people, who, as of March 3, have suffered from the largest number of deaths outside of the PRC.

The U.S. Department of State has facilitated the delivery of medical supplies internationally to stem the spread of the disease, including transport of 17.8 tons of donated relief supplies to Hubei province in China. This assistance helps protect U.S citizens by containing the spread of COVID-19.

The State Department Team is Working Tirelessly to Address the Outbreak.

On December 31, 2019, the People's Republic of China (PRC) notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of pneumonia cases of an unknown origin in Wuhan, China. The outbreak of a novel (new) coronavirus - designated COVID-19 - was identified and subsequently declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) by the WHO. On January 31, 2020, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II declared a public health emergency (PHE) for the United States to aid the nation's health care community in responding to COVID-19.

The Department of State is taking decisive action to inform and safeguard U.S. citizens overseas, protect the homeland, advance the Administration's commitment to building global health security capacity for this and future outbreaks, and reduce the impact for U.S. companies and supply chains overseas.

This page provides public statements, testimony, and resources from the Department of State relating to COVID-19. U.S. citizens traveling or residing overseas can access the Department's Travel Advisories and country-specific information at the travel.state.gov website, and additional detailed information on COVID-19 can be accessed from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) portal here.

At President Trump's direction, the Administration is deploying the full range of U.S. resources to contain and prevent the spread of COVID-19 not just at home, but also across the globe. In today's globally interconnected world, the emergence of an infectious disease anywhere can represent a threat to public health everywhere. Our national security and domestic economic prosperity require robust investment in global health security. The State Department and the whole of the U.S. Government are focused on maximum transparency and ensuring that all necessary information available, particularly that of the medical experts and professionals of the CDC and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is utilized to the benefit of the American people.

Our team here in Washington - and at our embassies and consulates across the globe - is working tirelessly to address the outbreak:

Protecting the Homeland

The Department's priority is protecting the United States and slowing the spread of the virus. We've implemented prudent travel restrictions, in conjunction with our interagency partners, for individuals who have been present in areas deemed high-risk by U.S. health authorities. To help protect U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad, we continually update our country-specific Travel Advisories and issue timely Alerts to keep U.S. citizen travelers informed and safe.

Engaging with Partners and Allies

The Department is actively working with international partners and governments to combat the spread of the outbreak. Reaffirming the centrality of diplomacy every step of the way, we have remained in close communication and tight coordination with affected countries as the U.S. Government implements necessary travel restrictions or issues advisory updates to ensure bilateral relations remain strong in the face of prudent and robust public health measures. The U.S. Government has briefed more than 100 officials from more than 70 nations. We are also working with international public and private sector partners, including the WHO, to rapidly enhance our knowledge of the virus, inform our public health decisions, and accelerate the research and development of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.

Assisting U.S. Citizens Across the World

We are committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad. Across the globe, our team has worked around the clock to assist U.S. citizens overseas who have found themselves in harm's way. In an extraordinary effort, we evacuated over 1,100 people to the United States in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, in close coordination with CDC and HHS public health experts. Such repatriation flights do not reflect our standard practice and we continue to recommend U.S. citizens use commercial travel options and follow the advice of local authorities. We will continue working with our international partners to combat the outbreak, provide assistance to those who remain overseas, and minimize the risks to our citizens around the world.

Keeping U.S. Citizen Travelers Informed

The Department is working tirelessly to provide U.S. travelers with timely, accurate information regarding this rapidly evolving situation. The Department uses a wide range of tools, including Travel Advisories and Alerts, to communicate clear, timely, and reliable safety and security information that helps U.S. citizens make informed decisions about travel overseas. We have issued numerous Travel Advisories and Alerts in recent weeks to advise U.S. citizen travelers on conditions in different countries. Every U.S. Embassy and Consulate has also updated its website so that U.S. citizens in every country around the globe have access to the latest information on COVID-19. We will continue to update this information frequently, and encourage U.S. citizens to read our latest Travel Advisories in their entirety and to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP.state.gov) to receive further updates.

Supporting the U.S. Government Response

Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun leads the U.S. Department of State efforts on the White House Coronavirus Task Force, which coordinates and oversees the Administration's efforts to monitor, prevent, contain, and mitigate the spread of the virus. Experts from across the Department have been mobilized through the Coronavirus Global Response Coordination Unit (CGRCU) to leverage a wide array of bilateral, multilateral, and private-sector stakeholders and partners for synchronized consular, diplomatic, economic, and regional response.

Our Global Health Leadership

The White House has appointed world-renowned global health official and physician Ambassador Deborah Birx to the Office of the Vice President to aid in the whole of government response to COVID-19 as the Coronavirus Response Coordinator. Dr. Birx is especially well-equipped for this role, given her years of experience leading the global fight against HIV/AIDS as head of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Helping Affected Countries

We've facilitated the delivery of vast amounts of medical supplies to the Chinese people and internationally to stem the spread of the disease. The Department helped transport 17.8 tons of donated relief supplies to Hubei province. In addition, the United States is prepared to spend up to $100 million in existing State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funds to assist affected and at-risk countries to contain and combat the virus. USAID has already committed $37 million in assistance, and protective equipment for more than 25 countries around the world. Additionally, the United States has offered to provide humanitarian assistance and medical supplies to the Iranian people, who, as of March 3, have suffered from the largest number of deaths outside of the PRC. The Department and USAID continue to evaluate and respond to requests for aid from across the globe as nations come to America for assistance and leadership. This commitment - along with the hundreds of millions generously donated by the American private sector - signals strong U.S. leadership in response to the outbreak. This vital equipment and assistance helps protect U.S citizens by containing the spread of COVID-19, builds long-standing partnerships, and demonstrates America's resolve in the global community.

Supporting the Department's Workforce and Preparing Our Employees

The safety and security of our workforce is among the Department's foremost priorities. The Department has issued interim guidance on leave and workplace flexibilities for employees on ordered or authorized departure and will update such guidance as necessary. As a prudential measure, the Department has asked overseas posts to convene their respective Emergency Action Committees (EACs) to ensure post preparedness. The Bureau of Medical Services follows CDC and WHO recommendations regarding prevention, diagnosis, isolation, and treatment for all infectious diseases.

Building Global Health Security for the Front Line

The Department shares a global interest in preventing, detecting, and responding to infectious disease threats at their source. The Department continues to promote the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) and coordinate implementation of activities that help strengthen laboratories and diagnostics, equip front-line workers with needed tools, protect populations against emerging outbreaks, including this coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, and much more. These partnerships have laid foundations to rapidly and effectively prepare for emerging threats, including COVID-19. U.S. global health security investments are one of the most effective ways of saving lives and protecting U.S. citizens from global pandemics and the spread of pathogens.

Mitigating International Impacts to U.S. Businesses

The White House, the Department, and other U.S. Government agencies are coordinating to provide U.S. businesses and employers with information about COVID-19. The Administration is monitoring the possible effects of COVID-19 on supply chains, in addition to convening pharmaceutical company leaders on the supply chain challenges that may impact the United States.

Promoting Transparency

The United States remains deeply concerned by information indicating that some government regimes may have suppressed vital details about the outbreak and, given the implications to public health, continues to reiterate that all countries should transparently share information and cooperate with relevant international public health and aid organizations.

Public Statements, Transcripts, and Congressional Testimony

Executive Order on Prioritizing and Allocating Health and Medical Resources to Respond to the Spread of Covid-19
White House

Michael R. Pompeo | U.S. Department of State

March 2, 2020
Statement by USAID Administrator Mark Green on the Commitment of $37 Million in Assistance To Respond to Novel Coronavirus COVID-19
U.S. Agency for International Development

Department of State Releases on Coronavirus →

White House Releases on Coronavirus →

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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - United States Department of State

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Page updated: March 26, 2020, 7:30 a.m. EDT Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) To get the latest information, visit: https://www.coronavirus.gov The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus https://www.usa.gov/coronavirus (Spanish: https://gobierno.usa.gov/coronavirus) to learn more about the U.S. Government response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) What the Department of State Is Doing The Department ...