Abortion

Abortion is on the ballot in 10 states this year. Here's why that matters.

Voters have approved every ballot measure initiative protecting the right to abortion since the reversal of Roe v. Wade. Could voters in Missouri reverse the trend?

5 things you should know about Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz

The Democratic nominee for vice president has pushed through big changes during his time as governor, a record that both parties will now scour as Walz becomes Kamala Harris’ running mate.

A new report ranks the best and worst states for women’s health

State policies shape women’s health and reproductive care, and researchers say there is a growing geographic divide where some women are dying at greater rates from preventable causes.

Can a candidate with ties to Trump break Democrats’ hold on N.C. governorship?

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has attracted controversy with his incendiary remarks, but he also has the backing of Donald Trump in a state the former president seems poised to win.

Texas adopts guidance for how doctors should interpret abortion ban

The guidance lays out what the Texas Medical Board will consider when investigating allegations of illegal abortions.

States are already collecting more abortion data. And HIPAA won’t always keep it private.

As states pass laws mandating health care providers compile more information on patients' pregnancies and abortions, experts warn of privacy concerns.

Medical residents are increasingly avoiding states with abortion restrictions

A new analysis shows that, for the second year in a row, students graduating from U.S. medical schools were less likely to apply this year for residency positions in states with abortion bans and other significant abortion restrictions.

Other 'zombie' state laws, like Arizona's, on abortion, LGBTQ+ issues and more could resurface

COMMENTARY | It might seem unnecessary for a state legislature to repeal a law that is not enforced or has been superseded by a more recent law, but the recent Arizona abortion ban shows the consequences of assuming that old laws will always remain dormant.

Governors roundly condemn Alabama ruling that effectively halts IVF

Republican leadership in the state is working on legislation that would narrow the impact of the ruling after several Alabama fertility clinics halted the procedures.

Democrats prove they have staying power in state elections

Plus, abortion rights and pot legalization win in Ohio, Philadelphia elects its first woman mayor, and a falsely accused member of "Central Park Five" joins New York City council.

Ohio voted on abortion. Next year, 11 more states might, too.

The push for sending the contentious issue to voters comes on the heels of last year’s string of ballot measure wins for abortion rights in six states.

What to watch for in Tuesday’s high-stakes elections

Abortion rights are playing a pivotal role in elections in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.

Missouri becomes the 14th state with a majority-women supreme court

Abortion and gender-affirming care for trans youth could be among the issues the court faces.

Report: Abortions up nationwide post-Dobbs, soared in some states

Despite some states' attempts to restrict abortion access, the number of abortions have increased nationwide since Roe v. Wade was overturned. Some observers say the rise in patients seeking abortions could put a strain on clinics with limited resources and staff.

After power play fails, Ohio Republicans face more ballot measure challenges

State legislators wanted to stop the public from voting on abortion rights to redistricting. Similar fights are playing out nationwide, as conservative lawmakers try to make it harder for liberals to pass policies at the ballot box.

After enacting strict abortion laws, many states are turning to tax breaks for expectant parents

Four states have approved new tax credits or deductions that allow taxpayers to claim unborn children. Nearly a dozen are expected to follow. But do these laws actually help expectant mothers?

State Laws on Reproductive Services, Divisive Concepts Influence Enrollment Decisions

As students consider all the reasons to choose one college or another, state laws are a new factor for some to weigh.

Fight Between States Could Determine Fate of Abortion Pills

A tangle of lawsuits has prohibited, protected and limited access to a common medication for abortion. While long-term decisions have yet to be made, some states are planning ahead. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.

Top State Democrats Outline Legislative Priorities

Where the party has majorities, they hope to focus on issues like housing, voting rights and criminal justice. In GOP-controlled states, they want to hold the line against Republican proposals on abortion, school vouchers and guns.

Kentucky Becomes Second Conservative State to Reject Anti-abortion Amendment This Year

Following this summer’s vote in Kansas, the race could strengthen an argument that abortion restrictions are a losing issue, even in conservative states.