On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, prompting immediate fears among reproductive rights advocates about the future of women's healthcare access. Just as the nation marked the 52nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court ruling many credit with providing the constitutional right to abortion, advocates braced for renewed threats to reproductive freedoms under a Trump administration.
Trump's previous term saw the appointment of three anti-abortion justices to the Supreme Court, leading to the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022. This monumental change prompted 22 states to restrict or outright ban access to abortion services, leaving millions of women across the nation uncertain about their reproductive rights. Brittany Fonteno, President of the National Abortion Federation, emphasized, "We are heading to absolutely the most hostile environment for abortion access in 50 years." Activists fear the second term will only exacerbate these restrictions.
Upon his election, reports of skyrocketing demands for emergency contraceptives and IUD appointments surfaced, signaling widespread anxiety about potential regression in reproductive healthcare. Planned Parenthood noted a staggering 760% increase in IUD appointments just days after Trump’s win, evidencing heightened concern among American women.
Anticipated actions by Trump include reinstatement of the "domestic gag rule," originally put in place during his first presidency. This rule barred Title X-funded clinics from providing referrals for abortions or even discussing them, crippling many services available to low-income patients. The upcoming Trump administration's Project 2025—a right-wing manifesto outlining extreme policies—raises serious concerns as it plans to eliminate access to medication abortion and complicate contraceptive coverage for many women.
Mary Ziegler, an abortion law expert, notes the uncertainty surrounding Trump's strategy on reproductive rights, stating, "There’s a scenario where the Trump administration goes…much, much farther on abortion, and we don’t know which of those realities will emerge." Nonetheless, the climate feels distinctly threatening, particularly with Republicans poised to pass new legislation.
Activists are already feeling the effects of heightened restrictions. For many, the Tampa Bay Abortion Fund, which offers monetary assistance for abortion care, is becoming increasingly strained. Their funds were stretched as the average cost per caller shot up from $340 to $430 between 2023 and 2024, driven by increased clinic prices and rising travel expenses. Bree Wallace, the organization’s case manager, reflected, "It’s the nature of the world we’re living in right now, and we’re working hard to raise more money." No matter who occupies the Oval Office, Wallace affirmed, abortion funds will strive to support those seeking care.
California and Illinois have initiated state-level responses to counteract the lack of federal support. Organizations like the Chicago Abortion Fund are facing drastic budget challenges, yet continue to serve thousands who travel to these more accessible states. Megan Jeyifo, executive director of the Chicago Abortion Fund, reported assisting around 15,000 women last year, up from just 800 in 2019. Despite financial constraints, both states have increased funding for abortion assistance programs.
The impact of Trump's immigration policy also weighs heavily on reproductive health. Public concern grows as undocumented women report heightened anxiety about seeking reproductive care for fear of deportation. Lupe M. Rodríguez, Executive Director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, highlighted how immigration policies affect women's health, stating, "The bans have created impossible situations for immigrants." This sentiment resonates throughout communities facing significant barriers to healthcare.
With Trump asserting, “the American people are watching, and we have their backs,” advocates reaffirm their commitment to mobilize against potential restrictions. Regina Davis Moss, a public health expert and reproductive justice advocate, called for comprehensive approaches to rebuff regressive policies, emphasizing reeducation around healthcare access as imperative.
Current debates around reproductive rights are marked by deep political division, and the impending Trump presidency may lead to more far-reaching restrictions. Indeed, as evidenced by the recent closure of the government’s resources and the attention surrounding the overturned Roe v. Wade, the survival of reproductive rights is under siege.
While there’s clear apprehension about the next four years, activist groups remain resolute, confirming their determination to battle against the potential rollback of rights. Advocacy for reproductive freedom is expected to intensify as these organizations navigate what many are predicting to be one of the most challenging times for reproductive rights seen to date.