Current Status - Tennessee
As of April 2026, Tennessee’s women’s rights landscape is defined by some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country, alongside ongoing legislative efforts that are actively …
Women's rights are shifting
across the country.
We track the changes —
state by state.
The Women's Rights Data Initiative tracks how laws and policies shaping women's rights are evolving across the United States. Through dashboards, maps, and fact-based analysis, we explain what's happening — and why it matters.
Two new federal actions highlight growing pressure on access to medication abortion
Two recent federal developments are drawing new attention to medication abortion, which is now used in more than half of all abortions in the United States. On May 1, a …
What’s Trending
Voting in Alaska: Built for distance, facing new uncertainty
Alaska’s voting system is designed to accommodate a large and geographically remote state, with widespread use of mail voting and policies that allow ballots to be counted after election …
Ongoing policy changes are reshaping women’s paths to leadership
Recent federal decisions are adding to a broader pattern of changes that are reshaping how women enter, advance within, and participate in leadership roles. In May, the U.S. Department …
Tennessee shares voter data with the DOJ, raising questions about privacy and oversight
In 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice requested voter registration data from states as part of a broader effort to review voter rolls. In 2026, Tennessee complied, providing its …
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National
Two new federal actions highlight growing pressure on access to medication abortion
Two recent federal developments are drawing new attention to medication abortion, which is now used in more than half of all abortions in the United States. On May 1, a …
Congress and federal agencies turn attention to medication abortion
A series of recent federal actions is increasing scrutiny of medication abortion, a method now used in over half of all abortions in the United States. In March, lawmakers introduced …
Voting changes to watch right now
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, several developments are reshaping the voting landscape across the United States. In Washington, the House has once again passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility …
States move to strengthen reproductive rights protections
Several states are advancing policies designed to strengthen protections for reproductive healthcare, including laws that shield providers from out-of-state legal actions, protect patients traveling for care, and expand access to …
State-by-State
Women's Rights by State
Colors reflect protections across tracked rights categories
Select your state to explore details
Illinois eases access for cross-state abortion patients
Illinois has become the country’s most important access point for abortion care, especially since the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade. Surrounded by states with strict limits or total …
Strong protections, but unequal maternal health outcomes in Illinois
Maternal health outcomes in Illinois reflect a mix of strong protections, expanded access, and persistent gaps in care. While the state has taken steps to improve coverage and support services, …