The State Similarity Index attempts to quantify how similar states are to each other relative to other states. The index is a statistically-based way to measure this. 20% of the index is based on politics. 10% of a state’s political score (2% of the overall State Similarity Index score) takes into consideration the state’s laws related to sexual relations, including consent, incest, abortion, and surrogacy.
(Please note that laws can change quickly, so it is best to consult legal professionals or government authorities for the most current and accurate information)
Consent Laws
Consent laws, particularly regarding age, vary across different states in the United States. These laws aim to establish the legal age at which individuals can give consent to engage in sexual activities. While the federal age of consent is generally recognized as 18 years old, each state has the authority to set its own age requirements. Consequently, there is a notable variation in the age of consent among states, with some setting it at 16 or 17, while others maintain it at 18 or higher. Furthermore, some states have what is commonly referred to as “close-in-age exemptions” or “Romeo and Juliet laws.” These laws allow for consensual sexual activity between minors who are close in age, typically with a specified age difference.
Source: Wikipedia
States were classified by age of consent:
16, 17, 18 (unlimited by age of partner)
Under 13, 13-14, 15-16, Over 16 (limited by age difference of partner)
Incest Laws
First cousin marriage laws in the United States also vary from state to state. In some places, such first cousin marriages are entirely banned. However, other states allow first cousin marriages with certain conditions or exceptions. These conditions may include requirements such as genetic counseling, medical testing, or minimum age restrictions. Additionally, some states permit first cousin marriages only if they are performed out-of-state. Interestingly enough most states along the Atlantic Coast still permit first cousin marriage. In contrast, Midwestern states do not allow it under most circumstances.
Source: Wikipedia
States were classified by the restrictions on first cousin marriages:
Banned, Banned with exceptions, Criminalized, Criminalized with exceptions, Legal with requirements, Legal
Abortion Laws
Laws restricting abortion, vary greatly across states in the United States. Parental consent laws require minors seeking abortion to obtain permission from a parent or legal guardian. Mandatory counseling laws typically mandate that individuals receive counseling before obtaining an abortion, often with the intention of providing information and exploring alternatives. Mandatory ultrasound laws require individuals to undergo an ultrasound before an abortion, and in some cases, they may be required to view the image or listen to the fetal heartbeat. Wait period laws impose a required waiting period between counseling and the actual abortion procedure. Time limit laws restrict abortions after a certain gestational age, usually based on the viability of the fetus or specific points in pregnancy. In general, conservative states with more Republicans have more laws restricting abortion, while liberal states with more Democrats have few laws restricting abortion.
Source: Wikipedia
States were classified by the types of restrictions they impose on abortion:
Parental Consent, Mandatory Counseling, Mandatory Ultrasound, Wait Period, Time Limit
Surrogacy Laws
Surrogacy laws in the United States exhibit considerable variations from state to state, creating a complex legal landscape. Some states have banned surrogacy outright, prohibiting any form of compensated surrogacy arrangements. In contrast, other states allow surrogacy but impose significant restrictions and regulations, making it difficult to engage in surrogacy agreements. Additionally, some states have unregulated surrogacy, meaning there are no specific laws governing the practice. In these states, surrogacy arrangements may be permitted but lack legal frameworks and protections for all parties involved.
Source: Wikipedia
States were classified by the types surrogacy that they allow:
Banned, Altruistic Only, Altruistic Only (but difficult), Unregulated, Unregulated (but Difficult), Allowed
