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.

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601 - 610 of 875 Results

  • National Survey of Americans and Health Care Providers on Emergency Contraception

    Other Post

    1997 Kaiser Family Foundation Survey of Americans on Emergency Contraception Conducted for the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation By Princeton Survey Research Associates Topline For Men May 13-May 26, 1997 Introduction: Hello, my name is _____, and I'm calling from Princeton Survey Research of Princeton, New Jersey. We are conducting a confidential national opinion survey about some important health issues. N = 300 men, age 18-44 Margin of error: plus or minus 5 percent *…

  • Talking about STDs with Health Professionals: Women’s Experiences – Toplines/Survey

    Other Post

    Talking about STDs with Health Professionals: Women's Experiences Glamour/Kaiser Family Foundation National Survey Methodology Talking about STDS with Health Professionals: Women's Experiences was conducted for the Kaiser Family Foundation and Glamour by Market Facts, Inc. The results are based on telephone interviews conducted between May 27 through June 1, 1997 with a sample of 482 women ages 18-44 who had been to a new doctor within the last year for gynecological or obstetrical care. These…

  • Sexual Activity on Daytime Soap Operas: A Content Analysis of Five Weeks of Television Programming

    Report

    This study, conducted for the Kaiser Family Foundation by Katharine E. Heintz-Knowles, Ph.D., University of Washington, presents a "snapshot" of the sexual content on soap operas today. Katharine Heintz-Knowles examined 97 hours of programming from theten nationally televised soap operas between May 27 and June 28, 1996. The study was presented on September 7, 1996 to producers and writers of soap operas and network executives at SOAP SUMMIT II, a day-long seminar produced by Population…

  • State Medicaid Coverage of Perinatal Services: Summary of State Survey Findings

    Issue Brief

    The report examines state Medicaid program policies regarding coverage of pregnancy-related services. It details state-level Medicaid eligibility and enrollment policies for pregnant women, as well as scope of coverage for prenatal and screening services, delivery and post-partum care, educational classes and support services.

  • The U.S. Government’s Efforts to Address Global Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health: The Global Health Initiative and Beyond

    Other Post

    This report examines the U.S. role in improving global maternal, newborn, and child health, including the heightened focus placed on these issues by the Administration’s Global Health Initiative. It provides an overview of international efforts and a detailed look at the U.S. government’s response to date, reviews U.S. funding trends for maternal and child health, U.S. agencies’ related activities, the contribution of key U.S. global health efforts, and U.S. participation in international multilateral efforts. It…

  • Capitol Hill Briefing Series on Women’s Health Policy

    Other Post

    Kaiser Family Foundation Capitol Hill Briefing Series on Women's Health Policy Women's health needs and economic circumstances make health coverage and access to care important throughout their lives. They are disproportionately affected by changes in policies that impact both the private and public sectors. To provide policymakers with up-to-date information and allow for an interchange of ideas with experts in the field, the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, in partnership with Women's Policy, Inc., sponsors…

  • Key Facts: Women and HIV/AIDS in the United States

    Report

    Key Facts: Women and HIV/AIDS Key Facts: Women and HIV/AIDS provides comprehensive data on the impact of HIV/AIDS epidemic on women in the United States. Based on the most recent data and research on the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS among women, the report includes an overview of the epidemic profile, a profile of women living with HIV/AIDS, data on access to and use of health services, and women’s perceptions of HIV/AIDS. Report (.pdf)

  • Abortion Coverage Limitations in Medicaid and Private Insurance Plans

    Issue Brief

    This brief reviews current federal and state policies on Medicaid and insurance coverage of abortion services in the U.S. and presents national and state estimates on the availability of abortion coverage for people enrolled in private plans, Marketplace plans, and Medicaid.