In Alabama, abortion is generally prohibited with very limited exceptions. It is illegal to perform or attempt to perform an abortion, with the exception of situations where the abortion is necessary to prevent a serious health risk to the pregnant individual. There are no exceptions for rape or incest.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Health Exception:
Abortion is permitted if a physician determines it's necessary to prevent a serious health risk to the pregnant woman. This includes situations where the abortion is needed to save the woman's life or avert a substantial risk of irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function.
Fetal Anomaly:
Abortion is also permitted if the fetus has a lethal anomaly that will cause it to be stillborn or die shortly after birth.
Criminal Penalties:
Performing or attempting to perform an illegal abortion is a felony in Alabama. Doctors who violate the law could face 10 to 99 years in prison.
No Penalties for Individuals Seeking Abortion:
Alabama law does not impose criminal or civil penalties on individuals who have abortions.
Limited Access:
Due to the strict laws, most abortions are not legal in Alabama, and individuals may need to travel out of state for care.
History:
Alabama's abortion ban, known as the Human Life Protection Act, was enacted in 2019 and implemented in 2022 following the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization