Team—

As students return to college, millions are stepping into a harsh new reality. With half of U.S. states banning or severely restricting access to abortion care, young people are facing unprecedented barriers to managing their reproductive health.

Abortion bans place a heavy burden on students, and the impact is deeply personal. In North Carolina—which bans abortion after 12 weeks—a Duke University student expressed concern over the state's worsening reproductive rights landscape and its impact on gender equality moving forward.

"Going back to campus in an abortion-restricted state makes me incredibly anxious and scared about the inherent loss of autonomy you have over your body...Losing this freedom of choice threatens to put women back in boxes that we have been struggling to get out of for so long."

At the Center for Reproductive Rights, we believe no student should have to sacrifice their education or future because of where they live. Yet in states like Texas, Indiana, and Missouri, students face limited options—traveling out of state, risking self-managed care, or being forced to carry an unintended pregnancy.

If you or someone you love is heading back to school soon, we encourage you to explore our resource: After Roe Fell: Abortion Laws by State. This interactive map, updated in real-time by our team of experts, provides essential information on each U.S. state's abortion laws and policies.

Together, we will continue the fight for reproductive freedom and ensure that every student can pursue their dreams without fear or restriction.

Onward,

Center for Reproductive Rights