Abortion Access

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Lack of abortion access in prisons is a recurring issue due to the requirement for individuals to cover the costs of the procedure and transportation, obtain court orders, and navigate complex bureaucratic processes (Hallard 2025). Then there are smaller obstacles such as misinformation about facility policies, a lack of counseling, and possible anti-abortion sentiments held by the staff. All of which could prevent or delay an abortion until the time frame of a legal abortion in their state is over.  


The Supreme Court case Estelle v. Gamble (1976) led to US prisons and jails being required to provide adequate medical care to incarcerated people. However, the Court did not establish mandatory standards for what healthcare services must be provided (Hallard 2025). It also failed to set requirements that ensure a minimum level of healthcare services and a designated agency that could oversee medical care in prisons or jails.

Center, Human Rights Research. “Pregnancy and Motherhood in Prison through a Reproductive Justice Lens.” HRRC, HRRC, 28 Feb. 2025, www.humanrightsresearch.org/post/pregnancy-and-motherhood-in-prison-through-a-reproductive-justice-lens.



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