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 Back at the Supreme Court

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.

Filter

541 - 550 of 874 Results

  • Summary of HHS’s Final Rule on Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities

    Issue Brief

    On May 18, 2016, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a final rule to implement Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which prohibits discrimination in health coverage and care based on race, color, national origin, age or disability, and, for the first time sex. This Issue Brief provides a technical summary of Section 1557 and the final rule and highlights new protections and provisions included in the law and rule.…

  • Contraceptive Implants

    Fact Sheet

    The contraceptive implant is the most effective method of birth control available, and while it’s use is still low compared to other methods, its provision and use are increasing.

  • Status of 8 Legal Challenges to HHS Title X Family Planning Rule

    Feature

    Two federal courts have now issued nationwide preliminary injunctions against the new HHS Title X regulations for family planning clinics receiving federal funding. This Chart of the Week breaks down the status of all eight legal challenges nationwide.

  • The Status of Participation in the Title X Federal Family Planning Program

    Interactive

    This interactive map and table show the status of Title X sites by state as of December 20, 2019. This analysis is based the June 2019 listing of Title X sites available from the HHS Office of Population Affairs and public statements and news coverage regarding clinic and grantee participation in Title X.

  • Medicaid Coverage of Family Planning Benefits: Findings from a 2021 State Survey

    Report

    This report presents survey findings from 41 states and DC about coverage policies for fee-for-service Medicaid in place as of July 1, 2021, for the following categories of family planning benefits: prescription contraceptives, over-the-counter methods, STI & HIV services, well woman care, breast & cervical cancer services, and managed care services

  • Medication Abortion Via Telehealth: What You Need to Know About State Regulations

    News Release

    With the country waiting on the Supreme Court’s decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the case that could overturn Roe v. Wade, many are looking towards telehealth as an alternative to expand access to medication abortion. A new KFF issue brief explains the newly revised Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policy on medication abortion and the differential impact this could have on states by assessing the intersection of federal policy regarding dispensing medication…

  • Nov. 16 Web Briefing: Update on Women’s Health Policy

    Event Date:
    Event

    The Supreme Court, Congress, and state policymakers are currently debating issues that are central to women’s health and well-being. Watch the KFF Women’s Health Policy team web briefing to learn more about the status and implications of these debates, from abortion to paid leave.