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
State-by-State
45 articles (Page 2)
Federal investigation tests Oregon’s trans-inclusive school policies
In 2025, federal officials opened an investigation into Oregon school districts’ policies allowing transgender students to participate in school sports
Gun-safety law leaves gaps in Virginia’s safety landscape
Virginia ranks among the stronger states nationally on gun safety, with laws designed to restrict firearm access during high-risk situations
New lawsuit says Virginia is disenfranchising college voters - especially at HBCUs
Civil rights groups filed a federal lawsuit in November 2025 alleging that Virginia’s voter-registration practices unlawfully block college students
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
Reproductive Freedom Amendment heads toward a 2026 vote in Virginia
In early 2025, Virginia lawmakers approved the first step of a reproductive freedom constitutional amendment (SJ 247) designed to protect
Transgender students targeted in new VA state directive
Governor Youngkin’s October 2025 directive instructs Virginia state officials to create new rules restricting transgender students’ access to girls’
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
Wisconsin considering domestic violence safety measures
Wisconsin currently has no “red-flag” law, meaning there’s no way to temporarily remove guns from a person showing clear
Across Oregon, violence survivors’ safety relies on uneven access
Oregon has some strong laws designed to prevent violence and protect survivors, including orders that allow courts to remove firearms