Donald Trump has been named the 47th President of the United States, and his return is set to reshape the landscape of reproductive rights.
Advocates are sounding alarms over Trump’s “Project 2025,” which promises sweeping policy changes that could exacerbate the crisis sparked during his first term. “The previous administration’s actions led to a reproductive healthcare disaster, costing lives and resulting in near or total abortion bans across 17 states,” warned Nancy Northup, President of the Center for Reproductive Rights. With Trump poised for another term, the stakes are even higher.
Trump’s unpredictable stance on abortion continues to fuel controversy. While he has self-proclaimed as “the most pro-life president,” he’s also endorsed states’ rights to decide abortion laws. During his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, he defended his decision to leave the issue to states, framing it as a courageous move reflecting public will.
In this year’s election, voters across ten states weighed in on reproductive rights. Seven states approved initiatives expanding abortion access or overturning bans, while three states upheld stricter regulations. A Pew Research survey highlights the complexity of public opinion: 85% of Democrats and 41% of Republicans support legal abortion.
Kimberly Inez McGuire, Executive Director of United for Reproductive & Gender Equity (URGE), underscored that despite political upheaval, the demand for accessible abortion care remains strong. “The American people have spoken: abortion should remain safe, legal, and accessible,” she emphasized.
Key State Outcomes:
- Arizona: Approved Proposition 139, establishing abortion as a right up to viability and overturning a 15-week ban.
- Colorado: Passed Amendment 79, securing abortion rights and undoing a state funding ban from 1984.
- Florida: Amendment 4 fell short of the 60% approval needed to repeal the six-week ban, but advocates vow to keep fighting.
- Maryland: Strengthened abortion protections, shielding patients and providers from legal consequences.
- Missouri: Enshrined reproductive rights in the state constitution—a major victory in this conservative stronghold.
- Montana: Expanded abortion protections through Ballot Issue 14.
- Nebraska: Passed a restrictive measure banning most abortions after the first trimester, backed by significant Republican funding.
- Nevada: Approved the Right to Abortion Initiative, protecting access until viability, with a follow-up vote set for 2026.
- New York: Added protections against discrimination related to reproductive healthcare and gender.
- South Dakota: Rejected Amendment G, which would have secured first-trimester abortion rights.
With Trump’s re-election, advocates stress the need for unity and action. “We must be prepared to defend our communities against impending attacks on reproductive, trans, and immigrant rights,” McGuire urged.
