Fighting Back: Case Studies on How States Are Protecting Reproductive Rights
When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, it marked the beginning of a much larger attack on reproductive freedom across America.
Conservative politicians have since pushed to ban abortion pills, close down women's health centers, and cut funding that helps pregnant people access life-saving care.
But state and local governments have real power to push back against these harmful federal policies.
The fight for reproductive rights isn't hopeless. While Washington is dominated by politicians who want to control women's bodies, states can still protect their residents.
Local leaders across the country are stepping up to defend healthcare access and keep families safe from government overreach.
Illinois: A Safe Haven in the Midwest
Illinois plays a crucial role as the only reliable destination for reproductive healthcare for millions of women across the Midwest. The state has increased funding for abortion clinics, created emergency hotlines for high-risk pregnancies, and passed strong privacy laws protecting out-of-state patients. Without Illinois, women throughout the region would have nowhere to turn for safe, legal care.
In neighboring states, the fight is far from over, and the situation remains hostile. Missouri voters approved a constitutional amendment guaranteeing reproductive freedom in November 2024, but conservative state Supreme Court judges are blocking access anyway, ignoring the will of the people. Wisconsin has seen similar battles, with Republican legislators trying to enforce an 1849 abortion ban despite public opposition. Meanwhile, Indiana has enacted near-total abortion bans that force women to travel hundreds of miles for basic healthcare.
Keeping Democrats in control of the Illinois legislature, courts, and governorship long-term is essential to maintain critical protections for folks in bordering communities and beyond. If Republicans gain power in Springfield, millions of women across the Midwest will lose their last safe option for reproductive care.
Virginia: The Last Line of Defense in the South
Facing a similar situation, Virginia serves as the final sanctuary for reproductive healthcare across the entire South. Progressives are not only protecting abortion access but pushing to expand it, despite a Republican governor. Democratic lawmakers have introduced a constitutional amendment that would permanently guarantee abortion rights, with voters potentially deciding the issue in 2026.
Southern states surrounding Virginia have created a patchwork of dangerous restrictions that leave women with few options. Texas has enacted bounty hunter laws that let private citizens sue anyone who helps with an abortion, while Florida has banned most abortions after six weeks, when many women don't even know they're pregnant. South Carolina maintains near-total restrictions with very limited exceptions, and Georgia forced a brain-dead pregnant woman to stay on life support for over three months.
Continuing to expand Democratic leadership in Virginia is essential, and flipping to a Democratic governor in 2025 was a major step. If Republicans regain control of Virginia's government, millions of women from Texas to Florida would lose their last reliable source of safe, legal reproductive healthcare. The stakes for Virginia's elections couldn't be higher for women throughout the region.
The Stakes Are Life or Death
We cannot let reproductive rights disappear from public conversation just because the news cycle moves on. Conservative leaders have already shown us the playbook they’ll use — remember their violent surveillance tactics following the 2020 protests? And this year during their immigration raids?
If we don't stay organized and keep fighting, we risk living in a world where the government controls every aspect of women's lives and bodies.
The power to protect reproductive freedom lies in our hands at the state and local level. While federal politicians may try to drag us backward, we can build forward-thinking policies in our own communities. We’ll continue passing constitutional amendments, protecting the privacy of those traveling from states that don’t, and speaking up until abortion access is again a federally guaranteed right.
While we are heading into midterms, and Congress is going to own most headlines, it’s critical we remember every election matters, from city council races to governor's mansions, because that's where real change happens for real families.
If you’re an organization looking to strengthen your efforts to protect reproductive rights, we’re here to help! Schedule a FREE 15-minute consultation call today.