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
Women's Health
28 articles
Virginia’s 2026 constitutional amendments: What could be on the ballot in November
In early 2026, Virginia lawmakers advanced several proposed constitutional amendments that—if approved by the full General Assembly this session—
New York’s abortion shield law survives its first legal challenge
New York’s abortion shield law has survived its first legal challenge after Texas attempted to enforce a civil judgment
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
Ohio lawmakers continue to test voter-approved abortion protections
Ohio voters approved a constitutional amendment in November 2023 protecting the right to make decisions about contraception, pregnancy, and abortion.
Two abortion bills show Wisconsin's deep divide as 2025 ends
In late 2025, Wisconsin lawmakers advanced two abortion-related bills that point in opposite directions. One proposal (SB 556) would expand
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
Voters choose reproductive freedom in Maryland
In November 2024, Maryland voters approved a constitutional amendment protecting reproductive freedom, including access to abortion and contraception. The amendment
Maryland funds abortion access expansion
In 2024, Maryland enacted a new grant program to expand abortion access and strengthen provider capacity across the state. The
The criminalization of abortion care continues - in ND, SC, and MO
As lawmakers and courts revisit abortion restrictions across the country, more states are treating reproductive health care —including both pregnancy
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