Women's Health Policy

ABORTION IN THE U.S.

KFF infographic explaining who regulates mifepristone, showing four entities and their roles: the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves and regulates medications for safety and effectiveness; state legislatures pass laws that can restrict or protect access; courts rule on legal cases affecting regulation; and Congress can pass federal legislation influencing regulation.

Louisiana v. FDA: Access to Mifepristone

Louisiana sued the FDA in October 2025, claiming the FDA’s 2023 regulatory change eliminating the requirement that mifepristone be dispensed in-person—allowing it to be mailed or dispensed at retail pharmacies—harm the state's ability to enforce its abortion ban. This brief reviews the Louisiana v. FDA case and provides an overview of the other pending litigation involving mifepristone, as well as the mounting tension between states seeking to protect abortion and those banning the provision of abortion.

CONTRACEPTIve care IN THE U.S.

An Update on Medicaid, Title X and Planned Parenthood

This brief provides an update on Planned Parenthood clinic closures and participation in the Title X program amid substantial policy changes resulting in funding reductions. These changes include the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the withholding of federal Title X funding to Planned Parenthood clinics.

SELECTED RESOURCES

Over-the-Counter Oral Contraceptive Pills

In July 2023, the FDA approved Opill, the first daily oral contraceptive pill to become available over the counter (OTC) without a doctor’s prescription. This issue brief provides an overview of OTC oral contraceptives and laws and policies related to insurance coverage.

featured

A promotional image for the the KFF Health Policy 101 Issues in Women’s Health chapter

Health Policy Issues in Women’s Health

Examine the core health coverage and access issues —shaped by federal and state policies—that affect women’s health today, including health coverage and costs, reproductive health services, maternal health, mental health, and intimate partner violence.

State Profiles for Women’s Health

Explore the latest national and state-specific data and policies on women’s health. Topics include health status, insurance and Medicaid coverage, use of preventive services, sexual health, maternal and infant health, and abortion policies. Many indicators provide state-level information for women of different racial and ethnic groups.

The essentials
  • Women’s Health Insurance Coverage

    This factsheet reviews major sources of coverage for women residing in the U.S., discusses the ACA's impact on coverage, and the coverage challenges that many women continue to face.
  • Medicaid Coverage for Women

    This data note presents key data points describing the current state of the Medicaid program as it affects women, including eligibility, reproductive health, chronic conditions, and more.
  • Dobbs: What are the Implications for Racial Disparities?

    This analysis examines the implications of the Dobbs decision and state restrictions on abortion coverage for racial disparities in access to care and health outcomes.
  • State Health Facts: Women's Health Indicators

    Information on women’s health status, utilization of services, health insurance coverage, family planning and childbirth, and abortion statistics and policies.
  • Key Facts on Abortion in the United States

    This report answers some key questions about abortion in the United States and presents data collected before the overturn of Roe v. Wade.

Stay informed.

Stay informed.

https://js.hsforms.net/forms/embed/292449.js

Filter

241 - 250 of 875 Results

  • How State Policies Limiting Abortion Coverage Changed Over Time

    Feature

    This week, the Trump administration proposed new rules around abortion coverage in the ACA Marketplace plans. Here’s how state policies shaping access to abortion coverage in Medicaid and private insurance have changed before and after the passage of the health law.

  • SCOTUS Ruling on Medina v. Planned Parenthood Will Limit Access to Care for Patients in South Carolina and Beyond

    Policy Watch

    The Supreme Court's ruling in Medina v. Planned Parenthood of the South Atlantic means that Medicaid enrollees in South Carolina, and in other states that exclude Planned Parenthood going forward, will not be able to use their Medicaid coverage to obtain any preventive services, such as contraceptive care, STI treatment and cancer screenings, at Planned Parenthood clinics.

  • Health Coverage and Access Challenges for Low-Income Women

    Issue Brief

    This issue brief examines low-income women’s health insurance coverage, experience with health plans and providers, and access to care. The analysis is based on data from the 2001 Kaiser Women’s Health Survey, a nationally representative survey of nearly 4,000 women between the ages of 18 and 64. Issue Brief (.pdf)

  • National Survey Results on Public Opinions/Practices on Contraceptive Use and Decision Making – Toplines/Survey

    Other Post

    The Kaiser Family Foundation Survey on Public Knowledge and Attitudes on Contraception and Unplanned Pregnancy: Contraceptive Use and Decision Making: The Role of Men -- Questionnaire and Top Lines -- The Kaiser Family Foundation Survey on Public Knowledge and Attitudes on Contraception and Unplanned Pregnancy was a random-sample, telephone survey of adults nationwide. The national sample consisted of 2,002 adults (1002 men and 1000 women), 18 years and older, and was conducted between October 12…

  • Abortion in the U.S.

    Fact Sheet

    This fact sheet reviews abortion in the U.S. About half (49%) of the approximately 5.4 million pregnancies occurring in the United States each year are unintended. Fifty-four percent (54%), or approximately 1.4 million, of these unintended pregnancies ended in abortion in 1996. While abortion remains one of the most common surgical procedures in this country, abortion rates have declined. Fact Sheet:

  • Welfare, Women and Health: The Role of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

    Issue Brief

    This issue brief reflects on lessons learned from research about the connection between welfare policies and low-income women's health. The brief discusses the multiple aspects of the TANF program that can influence women's health and well-being, including access to health insurance, work requirements and training options, links to health care services, and reproductive health provisions. Issue Brief