On this day, 53 years ago, the landmark case of Roe v. Wade was decided by the United States Supreme Court. This decision changed the course of history by recognizing the constitutional right to abortion.

When the Supreme Court overturned the Roe decision in 2022 with the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, the ruling took away federal protections that had lasted for nearly five decades. Fast forward three years — some or all abortion access is banned in 20 states across the country. And abortion opponents aren't stopping there — in 2025, anti-abortion lawmakers introduced 460 anti-abortion bills across 49 states.

The attacks on abortion aren't just happening in states. The second Trump administration has relentlessly hammered sexual and reproductive health care in this country and abroad. Working with his allies in Congress, President Trump signed a law that "defunds" Planned Parenthood by aiming to block patients from using Medicaid insurance at Planned Parenthood health centers. "Defunding" has already forced some Planned Parenthood health centers to close and as many as 200 are at risk. Many provide abortion care, so the "defunding" covertly strips access to abortion — even in states where it's legal

As we mark the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, here are just some of the state-level attempts to watch for that block access to abortion and other essential care:

• Attacks on medication abortion and shield providers: State lawmakers opposed to abortion aren't stopping at bans; legislatures are pushing medication abortion bans, "bounty" schemes that encourage citizens to sue anyone who makes, distributes, or provides abortion medication, and other tactics aimed at restricting access to abortion medication.
• Legislation that ramps up abortion access attacks even further: Lawmakers are scheming frameworks, including legislation that would equate abortion with homicide and allow prosecution of patients seeking abortion.
• Anti-trans legislation and bans on gender-affirming care: As of this month, 27 states and Puerto Rico have enacted bans on gender-affirming care for minors.

While abortion attacks and restrictions are escalating in some states, lawmakers in other states are responding with proactive policies to protect patients, providers, and health care systems. As state legislatures reconvene in 2026 states are responding to threats from the federal level and other states with supplemental funding for sexual and reproductive health care, shield bills and data privacy protections, and proactive trans health care legislation.

Learn more about the state-level sexual and reproductive care threats and proactive policies we're keeping an eye on in 2026 >>

The fight for reproductive freedom did not end with the Roe v. Wade ruling. It certainly didn't end when the current Supreme Court majority decided to overturn nearly 50 years of settled precedent. Our work continues — in every community, in every state — and we hope we can continue to count on you alongside us.

In solidarity,
Brianna Twofoot
National Organizing Director
Planned Parenthood Action Fund