ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Types of abortion restrictions in the United States

Abortion is a medical procedure that some people choose to have to end a pregnancy. In some places, there are rules and laws about when and how someone can get an abortion. These rules are called “abortion restrictions.”

There are many different kinds of abortion restrictions in the United States. Here are a few examples:

1. Waiting periods: Some states require people who want an abortion to wait a certain amount of time before they are allowed to have the procedure. This can range from 24 hours to several days. The idea behind waiting periods is to give people more time to think about their decision and make sure it is what they really want.

2. Parental consent: In some states, anyone under 18 who wants an abortion must have the permission of a parent or legal guardian. This is to make sure that young people are not making a decision without their parents knowing about it.

3. Clinic requirements: Some states have rules about what kinds of medical facilities are allowed to perform abortions. For example, some states require that abortion clinics meet certain building codes or have specific medical equipment. These rules can make it harder for clinics to stay open, which can make it harder for people to get abortions.

4. Insurance restrictions: In some states, health insurance plans are not allowed to cover abortions, or can only cover them under certain circumstances. This can make it more difficult for people to afford the procedure.

5. Bans: Some states have tried to pass laws that would make all abortions illegal, or make it illegal after a certain point in a pregnancy. These kinds of laws are often challenged in court and can be very controversial.

All of these different kinds of abortion restrictions are designed to make it harder or less convenient for people to get abortions. People who support these restrictions argue that they are trying to protect the health and safety of both the person getting the abortion and the fetus. People who oppose these restrictions argue that they are an infringement on a person’s right to choose what happens to their own body.