Home Women's Health Policy Topics

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.

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.

Latest News

More KFF Health News

Stay informed.

Get KFF's latest on Women's Health Policy

Stay informed.

Get KFF's latest on Women's Health Policy

View the Latest: Women's Health Policy

Filter

List Grid

541-550 of 880 results

  • Preventive Services Covered by Private Health Plans under the Affordable Care Act

    Fact Sheet

    Note:  This content was updated on February 28, 2024  to incorporate new FAQs from CMS. Tables 1 and 2 were also updated to include updated recommendations. It has been more than ten years since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) required private insurance plans to cover recommended preventive services without any patient cost-sharing. Research has shown that evidence-based preventive services can save lives and improve health by identifying illnesses earlier, managing them more effectively, and treating…

  • Abortion in the U.S.: Utilization, Financing and Access

    Fact Sheet

    This fact sheet provides key data on the levels of use of different abortion procedures in the United States and reviews the different federal and state policies that affect availability of and access to abortion services. It also provides information on how abortions are financed in the public and private sectors and reviews the state-level policies and Medicaid and private insurance rules that affect coverage of abortion services, including parental involvement laws, provider protections and…

  • Early Sexual Experiences: How Voluntary? How Violent?

    Report

    Edward Laumann, Ph.D., Department of Sociology, University of Chicago, shares findings from the 1994 National Health and Social Life Survey, which suggest that having a violent or coercive first sexual experience is not as rare an occurrence as had been previously believed. Seminar participants -- experts on sexuality and sexual relationships -- debate the prevalence and consequences of abusive and negative first sexual experiences. This publication was produced as part of an ongoing seminar series,…

  • 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)

  • Disparities In Maternal And Infant Health: Are We Making Progress? Lessons From California

    Issue Brief

    This issue brief prepared by researchers at the University of California at San Francisco and the Kaiser Family Foundation, analyzes changes in racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in maternal and infant health in California in 1994/1995 and 1999/2001. The issue brief also reviews the policy implications of these differences and offers general recommendations for health care policymakers to consider in addressing health disparities. Issue Brief (.pdf)

  • Health Care and the 2004 Elections

    Other Post

    ** Update: For information on health care and the 2008 election, visit www.health08.org. ** Health care issues continue to be important for many Americans and a vital part of the policy debates in Washington and around the country. During an election season, candidates propose and debate their solutions for the pressing policy issues facing their constituents. The 2004 election season is no different and the Kaiser Family Foundation is issuing informational materials on some of…

  • Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Women’s Health Coverage and Access to Care

    Issue Brief

    Using data from the 2001 Kaiser Women’s Health Survey, a nationally representative survey of nearly 4,000 women between the ages of 18 to 64, this issue brief explores racial and ethnic disparities in health care among women. It provides new information on the differences in health status, health insurance coverage, and selected measures of access to care across three racial/ethnic groups of women: African American, Latina, and white. Issue Brief (.pdf)

  • Will 1999 Be The Year For Mifepristone (Ru-486)? And, An Update on Women’s Other Options for Very Early Abortion

    Other Post

    National Survey of Women's Health Care Providers on Medical Abortion September 16, 1998 One in Two Ob/Gyns Say They are Likely to Offer Mifepristone (RU-486) If Approved by FDA, And Almost Half Who Do Not Now Provide Abortions Say They Would Provide the Medical Alternative Many Family Practice Physicians, Nurse Practitioners and Physician AssistantsAlso Report Interest Menlo Park, CA - In the coming year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to complete its…

  • Health Coverage and Access:  Policy Issues For Women

    Report

    Health Coverage and Access: Policy Issues For Women This chartpack provides briefing materials that review the key health coverage and access concerns facing American women. Issues that are addressed include women's role in the health system, insurance coverage and access to care, managed care, contraceptive coverage, Medicare reform, and assistance with long-term care. Chart Pack