Interstate Shield Laws
Interstate shield laws have become critical tools used by abortion access states to protect abortion providers, helpers, and patient medical records when care is provided to out-of-state residents.
As more states ban and restrict abortion, people living in such restrictive states are being forced to travel hundreds of miles out of state to obtain abortion care. Anti-abortion state lawmakers, though, are even reaching beyond their state borders in their attempts to prohibit abortion entirely.
Interstate shield laws have become critical tools used by abortion access states to protect out-of-state patients in accessing abortion care. The laws protect abortion providers, helpers, and patient medical records from civil and criminal consequences stemming from abortion and reproductive health care provided to out-of-state residents.
According to a #WeCount report issued by the Society of Family Planning, abortions provided under shield laws played a pivotal role in access for residents of states with both total and six-week abortion bans.
States with Shield Laws
Explore the Center’s Abortion Laws by State Map
For details on states with interstate shield laws and other abortion protections, explore this interactive map.
Currently, shield laws are on the books in 18 states:
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Washington
and the District of Columbia.
The Forward Fight for Reproductive Freedom
Two years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court eliminated the constitutional right to abortion. Learn more about the fight to reclaim our rights.
The Center for Reproductive Rights was the first national reproductive rights organization to advocate for shield laws and has been active in providing technical assistance, testimony and other support for the enactment of these laws in 14 states.
Learn more about U.S. state abortion laws and policies here.
