A Closer Look at Rape and Incest Exceptions in States with Abortion Bans and Early Gestational Restrictions

Since Roe v. Wade’s overturning in 2022, the topic of exceptions to state abortion bans has been in the spotlight. Despite 8 in 10 Americans supporting access to abortion for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest, such exceptions are restricted or non-existent in many states. Furthermore, practical obstacles like stringent reporting requirements, gestational limits, provider scarcity, and economic hardships impede access even in states with exceptions.