The 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson decision, a US Supreme Court ruling on a Mississippi law seeking to restrict most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, has heightened concerns about the future of reproductive rights in the United States. The ruling changed the landscape of abortion access, placing significant restrictions on what was considered a fundamental reproductive choice.
While conversations about the Dobbs ruling tend to focus on abortion, this topic is not isolated but part of a wider dialog about reproductive choices that includes the realm of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). It is therefore crucial to broaden our perspective, recognizing the multifaceted issues intertwined with reproductive healthcare, the equitable availability of assisted reproductive technologies, and the management of complications arising from those procedures. Laws and policies born out of the ruling impact the nuanced landscape of patient care for miscarriage, gender-affirming treatment, and decision-making surrounding the storage, transport, and disposition of eggs and embryos.
The Guttmacher Institute’s state-specific resources, updated monthly, are an invaluable guide for those seeking information about reproductive rights on the state level. The State Legislation Tracker will keep you informed about major developments in sexual and reproductive health covering abortion, contraception, gender affirming care, and other related topics. The interactive map organizes troves of information resulting from the patchwork of state laws that ban, restrict, or protect abortion rights and access. Use it to explore in-depth information on abortion policies, state resident demographics, and relevant abortion statistics.
The Guttmacher Institute's reliability is grounded in a meticulous process that involves a team of demographers, social scientists, public policy analysts, editors, writers, communications specialists, and financial and technical personnel. Their thorough research methods, including surveys and interviews, generate comprehensive data on topics like abortion and contraceptive use, while regular updates showcase a commitment to staying current in the dynamic field of reproductive health. By combining expertise, transparency, and ongoing validation, the Guttmacher Institute is a trusted and reliable source for accurate information on reproductive rights.