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
Healthcare Access
As of January 2026 — Where you live often determines whether you get essential care. Deep Medicaid cuts and shrinking funding have strained clinics and hospitals. In rural counties, maternity wards, prenatal care, contraception access, and preventive services are disappearing. Restrictions on gender-affirming care have further narrowed provider availability, compounding access challenges for transgender women and girls. Healthcare access is increasingly uneven across the country.
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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
How laws, courts, and access shape what “protected” really means
The word “protected” sounds definitive. In everyday language, it suggests something settled—a right that’s been secured and placed
The medical reality of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and life-saving care
When people hear the phrase “abortion is healthcare,” it’s often assumed to be a political statement. In medicine, it
16 articles
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
How laws, courts, and access shape what “protected” really means
The word “protected” sounds definitive. In everyday language, it suggests something settled—a right that’s been secured and placed
The medical reality of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and life-saving care
When people hear the phrase “abortion is healthcare,” it’s often assumed to be a political statement. In medicine, it
Medicaid expansion helped Ohio, but now hinges on federal funding
Ohio’s expansion of Medicaid significantly increased health coverage across the state and helped stabilize access to care, including maternal
Oregon protects abortion access after federal funding disruptions
Oregon law continues to protect abortion access. As a result, the state has become a regional destination for care as
Shutdown + Choice: Why the USDA's refusal to tap food funding matters for women
Editor’s note: This post was updated on Nov. 12, 2025, to reflect new developments in SNAP program payments. November
Texas Medicaid at a crossroads
Texas’ Medicaid program covers millions of low-income children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. But the state remains one
Wisconsin advances two healthcare access bills
Wisconsin lawmakers took two meaningful steps in 2025 to make healthcare more accessible for women. The first measure would let
California encourages provider training on menopause and mental health
On September 27, 2024, California passed Assembly Bill 2270, a new law that tells several state licensing boards — including those
California’s Medi-Cal program faces state and federal budget pressures
California’s Medicaid program, known as Medi-Cal, covers roughly one in three Californians — more than 15 million people. It’s
Title X family-planning funds frozen
On April 1, 2025, the Trump administration withheld Title X family-planning grants from 16 grantees in 23 states, disrupting funding
Abortions paused in WI to protect Medicaid healthcare
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin stopped providing abortions starting October 1, 2025, even though abortion remains legal in the state. The