Regulating Abortions Regulating Abortions States cannot require a waiting period longer than 24 hours. States cannot require that abortion be performed in hospitals. States cannot require the consent of the husband or father. States may require consent of parents of minors or permission of a judge. Federal funds can only be used to fund abortions in cases of rape, incest, threats to the mother s health.
Federal agencies can provide information on abortion options.
States can require tests to determine the viability of a fetus and restrict abortions in cases in which the fetus is viable. In general, restrictions on abortion are legal if they do not place an undue burden on women seeking abortions.