Vermont Abortion Laws
By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed December 22, 2022
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Summary
Abortion is legal in Vermont.
Introduction
Many people have their own opinion on the debate over abortion. But where does the law stand? Here is a quick overview of abortion laws in Vermont.
The right to abortion in Vermont is secured by a 2019 state law. In November 2022, voters approved Article 22, the Reproductive Liberty Amendment, enshrining a right to abortion in the Vermont Constitution.
Federal Abortion Laws
In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which returned to the states the power to regulate, even prohibit, abortion. Abortion access is now governed by state law.
Vermont Abortion Laws
Vermont does not have any of the major types of abortion restrictions — such as waiting periods, mandated parental involvement, or limitations on publicly funded abortions — often found in other states.
Alternatives to Abortion
Vermont does not have a law requiring that alternatives to abortion be discussed with a patient before an abortion is performed.
Who May Perform an Abortion in Vermont?
Vermont is one of the few states that allow abortions to be performed by non-physicians (physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurse midwives). The only statute that pertains to abortion in Vermont is a requirement that each "induced termination of pregnancy" be reported to the Vermont Department of Health within seven days, for the purposes of data collection.
The basic provisions of Vermont's abortion laws are listed in the following chart. See FindLaw's Reproductive Rights section for additional articles and resources.
| Code Section | 18 V.S.A. 9497 |
| Statutory Definition of Illegal Abortion | N/A |
| Statutory Definition of Legal Abortion | It is legal for an abortion to be performed in Vermont at any stage of pregnancy for any reason or for no reason. |
| Penalty for Unlawful Abortion | N/A |
| Consent Requirements | N/A |
| Residency Requirements for Patients | N/A |
| Parental Notification | There is no requirement that parents be informed |
Note: Vermont's abortion laws are constantly changing — contact a Vermont constitutional law attorney , or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Research the Law:
- Vermont Code
- Official State Codes - Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and DC.
Vermont Abortion Laws: Related Resources
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