Women's Health Policy

ABORTION IN THE U.S.

The Status of Abortion-related State Ballot Initiatives Since Dobbs

Since the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, overturning Roe v. Wade, voters in 17 states have weighed in on ballot measures regarding abortion — some more than once. In November 2026, voters in Idaho, Missouri, Nevada, and Virginia will weigh in on abortion measures that could change the legal status of abortion in their state. In addition, a measure in Colorado is in the process of collecting signatures.

CONTRACEPTIve care IN THE U.S.

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.

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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.

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  • Teen Pregnancy: Key Statistics

    Other Post

    The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation How widespread is teen pregnancy in the U.S.? More than four in 10 young women become pregnant at least once before they reach the age of 20 - nearly one million a year. Are more teens getting pregnant today than two or three decades ago? The pregnancy rate among all teen girls aged 15-19 rose 23 percent between 1972 and 1990, and then fell slightly in 1992. This increase…

  • Regulating the Quality of Abortion Services: Politics or Good Medicine?

    Report

    A growing trend by state legislatures to pass tough regulations on abortion services begs the questions: Do these rules help to ensure the health and safety of abortion patients and the quality of abortion services? Or, as some abortion rights groups have suggested, are they designed to put abortion providers out of business? National Committee for Quality Assurance Chief Executive Officer, Margaret O'Kane, National Abortion Federation Committee on Quality Improvement Chair, Dr. Bernard Smith, and…

  • Emergency Contraception in California

    Poll Finding

    As the FDA continues to deliberate about whether emergency contraception will be made available "over-the-counter" without a prescription, a new Kaiser Family Foundation survey examines Californian's awareness of and experiences with emergency contraception, including findings on the state's "pharmacy access" program. California's "pharmacy access" program permits women to receive emergency contraception from participating pharmacists directly without contacting a physician, while the "over-the-counter" option the FDA is considering would allow people to obtain emergency contraception off-the-shelves…

  • New Brief Explains Key Elements of the Biden Administration’s Proposed Title X Regulations

    News Release

    On April 15th, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published proposed regulations for the Title X federal family planning program to replace the Trump Administration’s rules, which prohibited abortion referrals and co-located abortion services. The Biden Administration proposes to largely re-instate the Title X regulations that were in place from 1993-2019, with new additions focusing on “ensuring access to equitable, affordable, client-centered, quality family planning services” for all clients. HHS is accepting public…

  • Majority of Voters Say Overturning Roe Won’t Impact the Likelihood of Them Voting in Midterm Elections, But 1 in 5 of Voters and 1 in 4 Younger Women Voters Say it Will Motivate Them More And They Will Only Vote For A Pro-Choice Candidate

    News Release

    Majorities Oppose State Laws Criminalizing Abortion, Even Those Living In States Where Abortion Will Become Illegal If Roe Is Overturned Misconceptions Around Abortions Persist With Most Women of Reproductive Age Unaware Of Medication Abortion And Many Confusing It With Emergency Contraception More than a third (37%) of voters say that they would be more motivated to vote in November’s Midterm Election if the Supreme Court overturns the Roe v. Wade decision establishing a constitutional right…

  • Maternal Health in the Build Back Better Act

    Policy Watch

    This policy watch highlights the different provisions and potential impact on parents and children in America. From expanding Medicaid postpartum coverage to establishing a national paid family leave policy, the BBBA could provide more support to states and community organizations working to improve maternal health.

  • New KFF Resource Explains Key Provisions for Maternal Health Within the Build Back Better Act

    News Release

    If passed, the Build Back Better Act (BBBA) would include several provisions to improve maternal health, particularly for people of color. A new KFF Policy Watch explains the different provisions, their potential impact on parents and children, as well as the projected federal costs of these proposals. From expanding Medicaid postpartum coverage to establishing a national paid family leave policy, the BBBA could provide more support to states and community organizations working to improve maternal…