Video

Abortion access for adolescents | Candace Gibson, Guttmacher Institute
Candace Gibson (Director of State Policy) explains that abortion access was already inequitable before Dobbs and has worsened since, noting 471 restrictive provisions and over 600 proactive measures introduced this year as states battle over reproductive rights.

Transcript: Abortion access in this country before the Dobbs decision was already a patchwork system. Numerous state and federal policies aimed at restricting access meant that individuals often had to jump through hoops to get care. Access was heavily dependent on where someone lived, their source of insurance coverage and their income.

These inequities have only worsened since the Dobbs decision, disproportionately affecting Black and Brown people, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, young people and other marginalized communities. The opposition has been emboldened by Dobbs, doubling down on efforts to limit people’s ability to make the best health care decisions for themselves.

In terms of legislation, 471 restrictive abortion provisions were introduced this year alone. At the same time, over 600 proactive measures to protect and expand abortion care were also introduced during the same legislative session.