United States
In the United States, the Center for Reproductive Rights litigates in federal and state courts and advocates for laws and policies to ensure reproductive rights and health services are available across the country.
Summary
In the U.S., one in four women will end a pregnancy in her lifetime—yet abortion is now illegal in 14 states, leaving millions without access to care And although most U.S. maternal deaths are preventable, the country has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among wealthy nations. In addition, contraception and assisted reproduction services are often unaffordable and out of reach for many.
Through strategic litigation and legal policy and advocacy, and by holding governments accountable, the Center’s U.S. Program—with offices in New York and Washington, DC—works to strengthen legal guarantees to ensure that reproductive rights and health services are available across the country. The Center is especially focused on reducing disparities in accessing care, since Black, Indigenous and people of color, and those living in rural communities and with lower incomes, are disproportionally harmed when health care is inaccessible.
The Center has secured numerous legal victories in both state and federal courts and since its founding in 1992 has been involved in every major U.S. Supreme Court case on abortion rights.
Key Facts
16
States where abortion is illegal or highly restricted.
3X
Black women in the U.S. are almost three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women.
22/100,000
The rate of maternal mortality in the U.S., which is three times the rate of most other high-income countries.
Cases and work
Explore highlights of our work in the U.S.
Find out where abortion is banned and protected with this interactive tool.
Center cases on behalf of women who were denied abortion care despite dangerous pregnancy complications.
Mobilizing against the Trump administration’s anti-repro appointments.
Resources
U.S. Abortion Rights Resouces
The Center’s research and analyses on U.S. abortion rights and the fight for reproductive freedom. Explore here.
U.S. Maternal Health and Rights Initiative
This Center program focuses on improving maternal health equity and outcomes in the United States. Read more.
Federal Legislation to Protect Abortion Rights
Now more than ever, Congress must pass federal legislation that would protect the right to access abortion care in every state. Read more.
Voices from Abortion Ban States
Plaintiffs in Center cases speak out about how they were denied essential abortion care—even though their health, lives and future fertility were at risk. Read more.
State Constitutions and Abortion Rights
Interactive map showing state court rulings on the right to abortion. Read more.
