How federal laws set the baseline for women’s health, safety, and access
Federal laws play a powerful role in shaping women’s rights in the United States. Even when enforcement and impact
District of Columbia
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Current Status - Summary
As of January 2026, Washington, DC, has some of the strongest legal protections for women’s rights in the country.
Why voting access in DC remains exposed heading into 2026
In 2025, members of Congress introduced legislation aimed at increasing federal control over Washington, DC’s governance, including proposals that
DC’s laws strongly protect women — but Congress is reasserting control
Washington, DC can pass its own laws, but Congress has the power to block or overturn them. This structural reality
Reproductive care access in DC faces new federal pressures
Washington, DC, has some of the strongest legal protections for reproductive care in the country, strengthened further after the overturning
4 articles
Current Status - Summary
As of January 2026, Washington, DC, has some of the strongest legal protections for women’s rights in the country.
Why voting access in DC remains exposed heading into 2026
In 2025, members of Congress introduced legislation aimed at increasing federal control over Washington, DC’s governance, including proposals that
DC’s laws strongly protect women — but Congress is reasserting control
Washington, DC can pass its own laws, but Congress has the power to block or overturn them. This structural reality
Reproductive care access in DC faces new federal pressures
Washington, DC, has some of the strongest legal protections for reproductive care in the country, strengthened further after the overturning