Most Americans have only a vague idea of the specifics of our abortion laws. For example, many believe abortion is illegal after the first trimester and believe exceptions are only for when the mother’s life is in danger or perhaps for fetal abnormalities incompatible with life.
In fact abortion is legal until at least partway into the second trimester in every state, and there are several states that allow abortion at any point in pregnancy for any reason. The states that purport to outlaw abortion beyond certain gestational limits typically have broader exceptions than people might expect. And states are variable on whether they require parental consent or notification, waiting periods, restrictions on taxpayer funding, and other details. Get to know the laws in your area so you can have informed discussions.
The Guttmacher Institute, a pro-choice organization, compiles a summary of state laws here. The Family Research Council, a pro-life organization, has their own summaries here. You can also look up state government websites that post the texts of the relevant laws.
How To Be Pro-Life 