The implications of restrictive laws or near-total bans go well beyond abortions, reducing overall access to prenatal care, birthing services, routine reproductive health care and more.
Abortions happened in Arizona, despite a near-complete abortion ban enacted in 1864. But people also faced penalties for them, including a female doctor who went to prison.
EMTALA requires hospitals to provide stabilizing treatment to all patients – but Idaho is arguing that its abortion ban means it doesn’t have to allow the procedure, even if it is medically needed.
There are many outdated laws that states keep on the books, even if they aren’t used. If the Supreme Court overturns legal precedents on rights like same-sex and interracial marriage, that can change.
Laws such as Alabama’s controversial ruling that gives personhood rights to frozen embryos will have ripple effects on how advance directives are interpreted by doctors and the courts.
The 1994 Rwanda genocide has left lasting scars. Children born of sexual violence and mothers have shown immense strength in overcoming their histories of violence.
Legendary European parliament president Simone Veil fought for women’s reproductive rights in France and in Brussels. Is her legacy about to be re-opened?
A recent ruling from the Supreme Court of Alabama implies frozen embryos are legally equivalent to living children. This creates risks for IVF providers, and therefore problems for patients.
New guidance indicates health professionals must not provide information to the police without a woman’s consent unless “concerned for her safety or the safety of others”.
Surrogacy can exploit women, but others may choose to be involved for altruistic reasons. A scholar points out that surrogacy’s ethical value is dependent upon the people and systems who use it.
Election year 2024 will see citizen initiatives on the ballot across the country, some focused on abortion rights. But there’s a growing trend of lawmakers altering initiatives after they have passed.