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States in the Resistance: Spring 2025
As the federal government launches attack after attack on gender justice, state legislators, governors, and attorneys general have proven to be some of our best-positioned allies to fight back and preserve our fundamental rights. Across the country, they are holding the line to protect their communities, and communities are showing up in their own ways to push their lawmakers to protect gender justice as well. It’s giving me hope—which is something we could all use a little more of these days.
Tune into this new blog series on states resisting the federal rollback of our rights and find some joy and inspiration.
Michigan Senate passes package to reduce racial inequities in maternal health
Bans on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts have gutted federal health programs and research critical for health equity—moves that will especially impact Black women, who are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Michigan legislators are fighting back by advancing a “Momnibus” bill package, which is aimed at reducing racial inequity in Michigan’s maternal health care system through anti-discrimination measures, patient protections, and more. The Senate passed this bill package during Black Maternal Health Week in April.
Maine legislative committee votes to protect child care investments
As the federal government seeks to decimate crucial programs that support children and families, Maine legislators are defending their investments in child care. The Maine Health and Human Services committee voted to recommend removing the governor’s proposed cuts to child care worker stipends from the state’s biennial budget. This decision came after an outpouring of opposition to the cuts from advocates, supporters, and child care educators—who walked off their jobs to protest at the statehouse. This move helps protect the states’ previous gains in increasing child care workers’ compensation and growing the child care workforce.
Maryland legislature passes first-of-its-kind abortion funding program
In March, the Maryland legislature passed a first-in-the-nation proposal that would establish a grant fund program to support equitable access for abortion care, which now awaits the governor’s signature. As one of the southernmost states with strong abortion protections, funding abortion care services in Maryland is an important measure that would support people seeking care in the state.
South Carolina advocates halt total abortion ban
In South Carolina, the state House Judiciary Committee declined to move forward on a disastrous total abortion ban after a strong showing of opposition during the committee hearing. Over 100 South Carolinians rallied at the statehouse to express their support for abortion care and showed the power of people in action. South Carolinians voices are consistent with support for abortion across the country—63% of U.S. adults think abortion should be legal in most or all cases.
Pennsylvania advances bipartisan paid family and medical leave bill
While the Trump administration has spent the recent months gutting the federal workforce and decreasing the minimum wage for federal contractors, Pennsylvania lawmakers are working to create additional supports for workers in their state. A Pennsylvania House committee has advanced a comprehensive paid family and medical leave bill introduced by a bipartisan group of legislators. If passed, Pennsylvania would join 13 other states and the District of Columbia in guaranteeing paid leave for workers—a proven solution to help families manage work and care while creating a more just and equitable society.
Stay tuned for more to come in this new series documenting states in the resistance.
