Women's Issues / Public News Service

In calling Florida's new 15-week abortion ban unconstitutional, Florida Circuit Judge John Cooper said, "Florida passed into its constitution an explicit right to privacy that is not contained in the U.S. Constitution." (fotodigitalmunioz/Pixabay)

Friday, July 1, 2022

FL Judge to Temporarily Block 15-Week Abortion Ban

A Florida judge plans to put a hold on the state's new, 15-week abortion ban, set to take effect today. He said it is unconstitutional and will issue …

Wisconsin's first abortion ban was passed in 1849, the year after it was granted statehood. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

WI Governor, AG Launch Lawsuit Against 1849 Abortion Ban

Wisconsin's 173-year-old abortion ban faces a legal test, as the state's Democratic leaders announced Tuesday they are suing to overturn it. The …

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, about 9,700 abortions were provided for out-of-state residents in 2020, the most recent year such data is publicly available. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

With Roe Gone, Illinois Abortion Clinics Face Surge in Patients

With Roe v. Wade gone, Illinois is one of the few Midwestern states where abortions are still legal. Now the state's abortion clinics are bracing for …

Wyoming-based Chelsea's Fund provides financial support for women seeking an abortion, and also is accepting donations. (Adobe Stock)

Post-Roe Resources Available for Wyoming Women

Abortion is on course to be illegal in Wyoming after the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade Friday. Justices ruled the 50-year …

North Dakota's only abortion clinic is now planning to move out of state in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to reverse Roe v. Wade. (Lexicon Images/Adobestock)

Monday, June 27, 2022

Progressive Groups Call on North Dakotans to Rethink Abortion Policy, Post-Roe

Pro-choice advocates are calling on voters to make access to abortion a big issue in the November midterm election. The countdown has begun; in less …

Planned Parenthood in Minnesota says it is bracing for an influx of patients from the Dakotas. (Fibonacci Blue/Adobestock)

Special SD Legislative Session Planned on Abortion Policy

The South Dakota state Legislature is expected to convene in a special session to reassess abortion laws. Gov. Kristi Noem vowed to call the special …

Bans on abortion in Texas and Arizona will make New Mexico, where it is legal, the closest destination for many seeking access to the procedure. (centerforlanduseinterpretation)

Monday, June 27, 2022

Roe Domino Effect: Are Contraception, Gay Rights Next?

Leaders in the equality movement are warning the Supreme Court's ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade may soon lead to a reversal of other landmark privacy-…

Pregnant women in Texas are more likely to be uninsured and less likely to seek early prenatal care than the rest of the country. (SzilardSzabo/Pixabay)

High Court's Abortion Ruling Sets Up Texas Ban, Criminalization

The ruling on abortion by the U.S. Supreme Court has returned the issue to the states, fulfilling long-held goals of Republican lawmakers in Texas to …

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization sends abortion rights back to states. (lucky-photo/Adobe Stock)

Monday, June 27, 2022

Resources for Idahoans After SCOTUS Overturns Abortion Access

Abortion is set to be prohibited in Idaho at the end of July after the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade last week. The …

In 2017, more than 3,000 abortions were provided in Kentucky, <a href= — In 2017, more than 3,000 abortions were provided in Kentucky, according to data from the Guttmacher Institute. (Adobe Stock)

Travel to IL, VA for Abortions Expected to Rise Among KY Women

Low-income, rural, and women of color will be most impacted by the state's trigger ban that has outlawed abortion in the Commonwealth. They'll now …

Gov. Ron DeSantis recently vetoed funding for Hormonal Long Acting Reversible Contraception (HLARC) funding for a second year. (Parentingupstream/Pixabay)

Monday, June 27, 2022

In Florida, Critics Say Pregnancy is Only Option for GOP Leaders

Abortion rights proponents are warning that most Republican leaders in Florida are set on ensuring that pregnancy is the only option, after the …

Thousands attended abortion rights rallies across California over the weekend. (Longfin Media/Adobestock)

CA Moving Forward on Constitutional Amendment on Abortion Rights

The California state Legislature is expected to vote, as early as today, to place a measure on the November ballot to enshrine abortion rights into …

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to announce its decision on a major abortion case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, this month. (Philip/Adobe Stock)

How a Death-Anxiety Theory Fires Up Abortion Debate

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to announce its decision on a case, which could upend abortion access across the country. The topic is a source of …

A decades-long decline in abortions performed in the United States has now reversed, according to new data from the Guttmacher Institute. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Restrictions, Uncertain Fate of Roe, Abortions Rise in U.S.

The latest U.S. Census data reveals abortions have been on the rise across the nation. A new report from the Guttmacher Institute found 8% more …

Massachusetts currently does not have Certified Professional Midwives integrated into the health-=care system. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Urge MA Lawmakers to Bring Maternal-Health Bills Back

Groups that advocate for maternal health in Massachusetts are urging the General Court not to let legislation to increase access to out-of-hospital bi…

Gov. Tony Evers was one of 17 governors who last month issued a joint letter to Congress urging it to pass the Women's Health Protection Act. The measure would guarantee abortion access at the federal level. (Adobe Stock)

WI Governor Calls Special Session to Attempt Repeal of 1849 Abortion Ban

Gov. Tony Evers is calling the Legislature back to Madison this month to vote on repealing the state's 1849 abortion ban. The move comes as the U.S…

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 660,000 Americans die from heart disease annually. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Woman Recognized for Work Raising Heart-Health Awareness

Heart disease is one of the most pervasive medical issues in America. One survivor said she hopes her experience can provide an important lesson on …

The state of the economy is dominating voters priorities ahead of the November midterms. (Joaquin Corbalan/Adobe Stock)

Survey: 'Reliable, Consistent' Bloc of Women Voters 50+ Shouldn't be Ignored

Women ages 50 and over cast a big chunk of ballots, with a big impact in American elections, and a new poll looked at what they want. Findings in …

Violence against mayors was a common occurrence in 2021, with women mayors of color reporting the highest rates of harassment and threats, according to research conducted by Oklahoma State University. (MarkusWinkler/Pixabay)

U.S. Mayors Learn Skills to Fend Off Increased Threats, Harassment

The pandemic appears to have increased the level of violence in U.S. cities, and a new study found local officials and mayors, especially those of …

Vaccinated pregnant women are less likely to experience still- or pre-term births than those that have not received the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky. (Adobe Stock)

KY Mothers-to-Be Urged to Get Vaccinated Against COVID

While many Americans have resumed normal lives after the past two years, the COVID pandemic has not gone away, especially if you have a pre-existing …

On Jan. 6, 2021, pro-Trump protestors tried to maintain control by attacking the rule of law, separation of powers and fair elections. (Wikimedia Commons)

Experts Sound Alarm on Rise of Authoritarianism in U.S., Globally

This story was produced with original reporting from Zoe Marks and Eric Chenoweth for Ms. MagazineBroadcast version by Lily Böhlke for …

According to the Pew Research Center, about 56% of Illinois residents believe abortion should be legal. (Adobe Stock)

Planned Parenthood of Illinois Braces for Potential Surge in Patients

As the future of abortion access is in limbo, Planned Parenthood of Illinois is preparing for a potential surge in patients from surrounding states…

According to the Guttmacher Institute, 26 states are certain or likely to ban abortion if the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision in the case Roe v. Wade is overturned. (Adobe Stock)

CT Gov Signs Law Protecting Medical Providers, Patients Seeking Abortion Care

Gov. Ned Lamont and Connecticut lawmakers held a ceremonial bill signing Tuesday for a new law protecting doctors who provide and patients who seek …

Most polls show a majority of Americans think Roe v. Wade should remain in place. (Steve Rhodes/Flickr)

NY to Allocate $35 Million to Abortion Providers

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday a new state fund for supporting abortion providers, in anticipation of the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v…

Clinics in neighboring states saw an almost 800% increase in patients after Texas in 2021 banned almost all abortions after six weeks, according to Planned Parenthood. (FerencVarga/Pixabay)

Roe v. Wade: What Happens Next in Texas?

Texas took the lead among Republican states last September in making abortion illegal once a fetal heartbeat can be detected. Now, some fear the …

Assuming the Supreme Court's leaked ruling overturning Roe v. Wade becomes effective this year, five decades of what many thought was "settled law" will be cast aside. (DavidMark/Pixabay)

NM Activists Want "Sanctuary" Laws for Abortion Providers

Pro-choice activists want New Mexico to follow the lead of Connecticut in providing a safe haven for abortion providers after last week's leaked draft…

The firm that conducted the statewide poll in March, showing a majority of Minnesotans want to keep abortion legal, said it aligns with national poll results. (Adobe Stock)

New Poll: Most Minnesotans Want Abortion Protections

As rhetoric grows about the future of federal abortion protections, new poll results show a majority of Minnesotans don't want the state to impose a …

Gov. Tom Wolf, lawmakers and reproductive-rights advocates gathered at Independence Mall in Philadelphia Wednesday in the wake of the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion overturning Roe v. Wade. (Commonwealth Media Services)

PA Officials, Advocates Rally for Abortion Access After Leaked SCOTUS Draft

Advocates from Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania and state officials gathered in Philadelphia Wednesday to stand firm on protecting abortion access…

An abortion ban was enacted in 1849 in Wisconsin, the year after it was granted statehood. (Adobe Stock)

WI Law Would Criminalize Abortions if SCOTUS Overturns Roe v. Wade

Wisconsin has a 173-year-old abortion ban that hasn't been enforced in decades. But if the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the decision in Roe v…

Nearly 70% of voters who identify as independents said they oppose overturning Roe v. Wade, according to a WDIV/Detroit News poll released in January. (vivalapenler/Adobe Stock)

MI Groups Sound "Trigger" Law Alarm if SCOTUS Overturns Roe

Michigan lawmakers and pro-choice advocates were among those gathering Tuesday at courthouses, calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to protect a …

Reproductive Freedom Defense Act Heads to CT Governor's Desk

Connecticut lawmakers, state officials and pro-choice advocates gathered at the state Capitol on Tuesday, one day after a leaked draft opinion …

Nearly 70% of voters who identify as Independents oppose overturning the decision in Roe v. Wade, according to a January 2022 poll by Marquette University Law School. (Judith Anne/Adobe Stock)

Mainers Rally In Support of Roe v. Wade After Leaked Draft Opinion

Mainers gathered Tuesday at the federal courthouse in Portland, calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to protect the right to have an abortion. Politico …

According to the Guttmacher Institute, 26 states have laws on the books banning abortion that could go into effect if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. (Lorie Shaull/Flickr)

NH Groups Prepare for SCOTUS Decision on Roe v. Wade

Lawmakers and pro-choice advocates want Granite Staters to know that abortion is legal in New Hampshire, and will stay that way at least until the …

Abortion-rights groups want Congress to pass the Women's Health Protection Act, which would supersede state-based restrictions and legalize the procedure nationwide. (Relif/Adobe Stock)

Lawmakers Press for CA Constitutional Amendment to Protect Abortion Rights

Leaders from the California Legislative Women's Caucus vowed to protect a person's right to have an abortion in the Golden State after a leaked draft …

The Health Start program guides many Arizonans through pregnancy and the first two years of parenthood. (Anneke/Adobe Stock)

Long-Running AZ Program Gives New Parents, Kids a Healthy Start

A statewide program has worked for four decades to help thousands of Arizonans have healthy pregnancies and a better child-rearing experience…

During the pandemic, 141 child-care centers closed in Maine, and many more closed temporarily. That's limited some women from getting back into the workforce. (Rafael Ben-Ari/Adobe Stock)

Report: Gaps in Data Limit Maine's Ability to Support Marginalized Women

A new report finds the pandemic disproportionately impacted women, but that gaps in data limit Maine's ability to help those in need. Women are …

In a new national survey, 57% of women and 63% of women of color said they're considering quitting their hospitality-industry jobs because of worsening harassment and wage theft. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Restaurant Sector 'Unlivable' for Many Women Workers

As the weather warms up, tourists will flock to South Dakota to visit sites like Mount Rushmore, stopping at restaurants along the way. As they sit …

People new to Nebraska interested in starting their own business are frequently not familiar with how things such as zoning, employment law, tax codes and accounting practices can impact daily operations. (Adobe Stock)

Latina Women’s Business Conference Coming to South Sioux City

Registration is open for the Empowerment for Latina Women in Business Conference, set for May 3 in South Sioux City. Jessica Campos, director of the …

A recipient of guaranteed income from Springboard to Opportunities' Magnolia Mother's Trust, which gives $1,000 per month for one year to families headed by Black women living in federally subsidized housing. (Instagram/Springboard to Opportunities)

Guaranteed Income Seen as Path Toward Gender, Racial Justice

By Katie Fleischer for Ms. Media. Broadcast version by Emily Scott for Nebraska News Connection, Reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News Service …

Economic stability can play a role in staying healthy. In Arkansas, the median annual income for Black women who work full-time was $28,018, compared to white women, who made $33,943 in 2016. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Black Women's Health in AR in "Critical State"

Black women's health in Arkansas and beyond is in a dire situation, according to a new report, which showed more collaboration is needed to address …

Arizona ranks as the 10th worst state in the country for death rates of mothers in the first year after they give birth. (Anneke/Adobe Stock)

AZ Lawmakers Consider Medicaid Plan to Extend Postpartum Care

A bill to greatly expand health-care coverage for women after giving birth is nearing its final hurdle in the Arizona Legislature - and with bipartisa…

Montana and other states have protected abortion access under constitutional provisions that recognize a person's right to privacy. (trac1/Adobe Stock)

Added Protection for Abortion Access in MT Could be Overturned

Montana is part of a national trend of increasing challenges to abortion access. An injunction was placed on three abortion restriction bills passed …

carafem uses nondescript shipping boxes for mailing packages, in case folks are worried about neighbors or other members of a household finding out they are receiving abortion pills. (Melissa Grant/carafem)

IL Telemedicine Abortion Provider Aims to Allow Discretion, Break Stigma

By Carrie Baker for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Lily Böhlke for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News …

LB 933 would make it a felony to provide medicine or procedures that end pregnancies, even in cases of rape and incest. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska Lawmakers Advance Abortion Ban Opposed by Majority of Voters

Nebraska is on track to ban all abortions in the state if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns its landmark Roe v. Wade decision. On Friday, lawmakers …

Research at the national level has shown that nearly 70% of women describe at least one physical problem in the first year of the postpartum period. (Adobe Stock)

Health Coverage Extension Seen as Reducing Risks for New Moms in IA

As maternal death rates go up, states are considering whether to extend postpartum coverage through Medicaid. Supporters in Iowa hope lawmakers take …

In addition to substandard training facilities, last year's NCAA college basketball tournament further exposed other resource gaps for women's teams, including meals and 'swag bags' players receive. (Adobe Stock)

Women's Sports Advocates: Wedge Issues Aren't What We Need

This weekend, the University of South Dakota's women's basketball team continues its magical run in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (…

Idaho lawmakers on March 14 approved a measure allowing immediate family members to sue abortion providers. (trac1/Adobe Stock)

ID Advocates Look to Future as Abortion Access Curtailed

Access to abortion care will be significantly reduced in Idaho after the Legislature passed one of the most restrictive laws in the country. The …

More than $8 billion philanthropy dollars went to women's and girls' organizations in 2018, but still represents a small slice of contributions overall. (Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)

Giving Circles Provide Way for Women to Engage in Philanthropy

Philanthropy groups are pointing out a big gap in donations toward groups focused on women's and girls' issues during Women's History Month this year…

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Women's

FL Judge to Temporarily Block 15-Week Abortion Ban

WI Governor, AG Launch Lawsuit Against 1849 Abortion Ban

With Roe Gone, Illinois Abortion Clinics Face Surge in Patients

Post-Roe Resources Available for Wyoming Women

Progressive Groups Call on North Dakotans to Rethink Abortion Policy, Post-Roe

Special SD Legislative Session Planned on Abortion Policy

Roe Domino Effect: Are Contraception, Gay Rights Next?

High Court's Abortion Ruling Sets Up Texas Ban, Criminalization

Resources for Idahoans After SCOTUS Overturns Abortion Access

Travel to IL, VA for Abortions Expected to Rise Among KY Women

In Florida, Critics Say Pregnancy is Only Option for GOP Leaders

CA Moving Forward on Constitutional Amendment on Abortion Rights

How a Death-Anxiety Theory Fires Up Abortion Debate

Amid Restrictions, Uncertain Fate of Roe, Abortions Rise in U.S.

Groups Urge MA Lawmakers to Bring Maternal-Health Bills Back

WI Governor Calls Special Session to Attempt Repeal of 1849 Abortion Ban

Virginia Woman Recognized for Work Raising Heart-Health Awareness

Survey: 'Reliable, Consistent' Bloc of Women Voters 50+ Shouldn't be Ignored

U.S. Mayors Learn Skills to Fend Off Increased Threats, Harassment

KY Mothers-to-Be Urged to Get Vaccinated Against COVID

Experts Sound Alarm on Rise of Authoritarianism in U.S., Globally

Planned Parenthood of Illinois Braces for Potential Surge in Patients

CT Gov Signs Law Protecting Medical Providers, Patients Seeking Abortion Care

NY to Allocate $35 Million to Abortion Providers

Roe v. Wade: What Happens Next in Texas?

NM Activists Want "Sanctuary" Laws for Abortion Providers

New Poll: Most Minnesotans Want Abortion Protections

PA Officials, Advocates Rally for Abortion Access After Leaked SCOTUS Draft

WI Law Would Criminalize Abortions if SCOTUS Overturns Roe v. Wade

MI Groups Sound "Trigger" Law Alarm if SCOTUS Overturns Roe

Reproductive Freedom Defense Act Heads to CT Governor's Desk

Mainers Rally In Support of Roe v. Wade After Leaked Draft Opinion

NH Groups Prepare for SCOTUS Decision on Roe v. Wade

Lawmakers Press for CA Constitutional Amendment to Protect Abortion Rights

Long-Running AZ Program Gives New Parents, Kids a Healthy Start

Report: Gaps in Data Limit Maine's Ability to Support Marginalized Women

Survey: Restaurant Sector 'Unlivable' for Many Women Workers

Latina Women’s Business Conference Coming to South Sioux City

Guaranteed Income Seen as Path Toward Gender, Racial Justice

Report: Black Women's Health in AR in "Critical State"

AZ Lawmakers Consider Medicaid Plan to Extend Postpartum Care

Added Protection for Abortion Access in MT Could be Overturned

IL Telemedicine Abortion Provider Aims to Allow Discretion, Break Stigma

Nebraska Lawmakers Advance Abortion Ban Opposed by Majority of Voters

Health Coverage Extension Seen as Reducing Risks for New Moms in IA

Women's Sports Advocates: Wedge Issues Aren't What We Need

ID Advocates Look to Future as Abortion Access Curtailed

Giving Circles Provide Way for Women to Engage in Philanthropy