Current State of Reproductive Rights in America
January 22, 2026 | by Priya Elangovan
January 22nd is the Anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision. In the 52 years since the decision, the federal right to an abortion has been overturned, and we have a patchwork of laws across different states that determine what reproductive rights women have. Since the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision was handed down on June 24, 2022, there have been numerous laws and lawsuits to determine abortion rights in each state, and those fights are still ongoing.
Just this month, the Trump administration declared that the Department of Veterans Affairs would no longer provide abortions for military veterans and their dependents using VA hospitals and clinical services, even in cases of rape or incest – an area of abortion policy that has widespread support across party lines. The policy will now only include a single exception, that abortion care may be accessible if there are life-threatening circumstances.
Two weeks ago, the Wyoming Supreme Court declared that the state’s 2023 total abortion ban violated individuals’ rights to make their own healthcare decisions enshrined in the state’s constitution. And last week, a Louisiana court indicted a California doctor for sending abortion pills to a Louisiana resident and is attempting to extradite them to Louisiana to face trial. They tried to do the same to a New York doctor last year. However, states like New York and California have abortion shield laws that protect healthcare providers who provide abortion care to women in states where access is outlawed.
Currently, about 60% of all abortions are medication abortions, and we can expect that the next set of lawsuits and legislation will focus on access to these medications, particularly mifepristone. There are also pending lawsuits to expand access and to challenge shield laws.
What you can do
Stay Informed
Organizations like The Guttmacher Institute maintain up-to-date trackers of reproductive rights in each state, while others, like the Kaiser Family Foundation, track the status of pending legal cases.
Share Your Story
Abortion and Reproductive Health are some of the most personal issues there are. But it also means that personal experiences and stories are what move people. If you are comfortable, share your story with friends, family members, and even your elected representatives. The Center for Reproductive Rights has a tool that lets you contact your state representatives directly.
Educate Others
If you live in a state with changing laws, share information with your neighbors about their rights and where they can access services. You can also donate to or volunteer with local women’s health clinics that offer a wide range of services.
