As a second Trump administration approaches, we’re running out of time to confirm as many federal judges as possible to provide a check on his presidential power and curb his stated policy priorities.
There are 42 federal judicial vacancies and 13 nominations before the Senate right now—as our civil rights hang in the balance, take action now!
Against the backdrop of a baby formula shortage and horrifying school shootings, many state legislators are focused on fighting tooth and nail to force people into remaining pregnant against their will. The majority of people seeking abortion care already have children, which means that taking away their access to abortion hinders their ability to prioritize care for those children. The country is unsafe for children in so many ways—parents scramble to find food for their babies, and others mourn for the lives of their children that were taken because of government inaction on gun violence. It astounds me that rather than addressing these critical issues, anti-abortion lawmakers are hell-bent on decimating abortion access as the Supreme Court is poised to take away our right to abortion.
The SCOTUS leaked draft decision could have destroyed morale or any kind of hope for positive change. Instead, there has been incredible turnout across the country at mobilizations and protests for abortion rights. People are showing up across every demographic to show their support for abortion access. My local abortion fund even raised more than $100k since the leaked decision was released. (This is your reminder to donate to your local abortion fund)
Staying updated on what is happening in state legislation is essential to continue to protect abortion access. As you fight for change in your local communities and nationwide, check back here for news on state laws. You can also keep learning by following our Destigmatizing Abortion series on TikTok.
Let’s stay informed and dive into the State of Abortion.
Nebraska
Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts said he would call a special legislative session to pass a total abortion ban if Roe were overturned. Last month, Nebraska’s legislature attempted to advance a trigger abortion ban that would have gone into effect if the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
Donate to Nebraska Abortion Resources (NEAR). If you’re based in Nebraska, sign up to volunteer with Abortion Access Fund, or NEAR.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma governor Stitt signed a total ban on abortion, with Texas SB8-like enforcement mechanisms. Private citizens are able to bring lawsuits against abortion providers. This is currently the strictest abortion ban in effect in the United States.
Donate to the Roe Fund or Indigenous Women Rising to support those seeking abortions in Oklahoma. And volunteer with Trust Women to fight back against harmful legislation in Oklahoma and support people seeking care.
New York
New York has multiple bills moving through the legislature to protect abortion access, including abortion patients and providers coming from out of state. N.Y. Governor Kathy Hochul established a $35 million fund for reproductive health clinics, with the expectation of more out-of-state patients. The fund went into effect immediately. Legislators have also proposed an equality amendment to the state constitution that would protect the right to an abortion.
Rhode Island
While Rhode Island already has a state law protecting the right to an abortion, advocates are lobbying for abortions to be covered under state-funded insurance (which is currently banned). This is essential because the majority of people seeking abortion care are living in poverty and may rely on state-funded insurance.
Wyoming
Local activists are opening an abortion clinic in a state deemed an “abortion desert.” The bad news is that Wyoming enacted a trigger law this year that would ban abortion with limited exceptions if Roe were overturned. However, the clinic will provide an essential health care service as long as it can.
TLDR
With the end of Roe looking more and more likely, states like Nebraska and Oklahoma are actively endangering their residents’ lives with draconian abortion bans and restrictions.
New York is just one state that would see an influx in out-of-state patients if Roe were overturned, and these states are readying themselves by expanding resources and protecting patients. Again, this is simply not a solution for people who cannot afford to travel out of state for an abortion.
States likely to ban or severely restrict abortion if Roe falls can be found here. Check back next time for updates on the state of abortion access.
