Myth: Abortion is Banned in NH
Reality:
Abortion is legal through the first two trimesters for any reason, and legal in certain circumstances in the third trimester.
New Hampshire’s Abortion laws are some of the most lenient in the country.
Myth: New Hampshire’s Law is “Extreme”
Reality:
According to the CDC, only 1% of abortions are performed after 21 weeks.
New Hampshire’s law restricting abortion after six months, or 24 weeks, is not an infringement on women’s reproductive choice.
Myth: Abortion is Banned in NH
Reality:
Abortion is legal in NH throughout the pregnancy.
Abortion is permitted for any reason up until six months, or 24 weeks, and in the third trimester for certain circumstances such as a fatal fetal abnormality or risk to mother’s health.
Myth: New Hampshire’s Law is “Extreme”
Reality:
New Hampshire’s law is very similar to laws in Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, and many other states, including California. (Image)
Only 29% of Granite Staters support abortion with no restrictions at all. (St. Anselm Poll)
Fight the Fear
There’s a lot of fear and uncertainty surrounding the issue of abortion in New Hampshire, particularly concerns about potential bans. It’s crucial for everyone—women and men alike—to have a clear understanding of what the law actually states. Accurate information empowers us to make informed decisions that reflect our values and needs. This isn’t about taking sides—it’s about knowing the facts and staying informed. Let’s come together, support one another, and ensure we all have the knowledge to navigate this important issue.
Stay Updated
New Hampshire Law
329:44 Prohibition. –
I. Except in the case of a medical emergency as specifically defined in paragraph III, no abortion shall be performed, induced, or attempted by any health care provider unless a health care provider has first made a determination of the probable gestational age of the fetus. In making such a determination, the health care provider shall make such inquiries of the pregnant woman and perform or cause to be performed all such medical examinations, imaging studies, and tests as a reasonably prudent health care provider in the community, knowledgeable about the medical facts and conditions of both the woman and the fetus involved, would consider necessary to perform and consider in making an accurate diagnosis with respect to gestational age, provided, however, that the health care provider shall conduct an obstetric ultrasound examination of the patient for the purpose of making the determination.
II. Except in a medical emergency as specifically defined in paragraph III, no health care provider shall knowingly perform, induce, or attempt to perform an abortion upon a pregnant woman when the probable gestational age of her fetus has been determined to be at least 24 weeks or in the absence of a determination by a health care provider pursuant to paragraph I as to the fetus’ probable gestational age.
III. For the purposes of this subdivision only, “medical emergency” means a condition in which an abortion is necessary to preserve the life of the pregnant woman whose life is endangered by a physical disorder, physical illness, or physical injury, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself, or when continuation of the pregnancy will create a serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function, as defined in RSA 329:43, V, of the pregnant woman.