Reproductive Health

Protesters hold signs in support of abortion rights outside of Supreme Court.
Ayana Byrd  Oct 7, 2019 1:32PM EDT

SCOTUS To Hear Case That Could Dismantle Roe v. Wade

“Access to abortion is hanging by a thread in this country, and this case is what could snap that thread.”
Pink and white sign in support of abortion rights held outside Old Courthouse in St. Louis, Missouri
Ayana Byrd  Oct 2, 2019 5:43PM EDT

Planned Parenthood Covertly Opens Clinic to Provide Care for Missourians

The 18,000-square foot facility is located in Illinois—just 13 miles from Missouri’s lone abortion clinic, which is currently under fire.
Signs in support of abortion rights hang on a metal fence
Ayana Byrd  Oct 1, 2019 1:42PM EDT

New Poll Shows Most Americans Back Federal Funding of Abortion

Support is highest among women of color and people who live in abortion battleground states.
Pregnant person in a striped gray and black shirt holding a purple flower as someone touches their abdomen
Ayana Byrd  Sep 17, 2019 3:29PM EDT

This Tiny Pill Could Lower Mortality Rates for Black Babies

It could prevent a life-threatening condition called preeclampsia—but many patients don’t know it can help.
Exterior of Planned Parenthood of St. Louis. Gray-painted bricks, blue signage.
Ayana Byrd  Aug 28, 2019 1:37PM EDT

Court Temporarily Blocks Missouri's Eight-Week Abortion Ban

But new restrictions—including for cases of fetal Down Syndrome—were allowed to go into effect.
people holding signs in support of Planned Parenthood and reproductive rights
Ayana Byrd  Aug 19, 2019 4:21PM EDT

Planned Parenthood Withdraws From Title X Program

“We believe that the Trump administration is doing this as an attack on reproductive health care and to keep providers like Planned Parenthood from serving our patients.” 
Alexis McGill Johnson. Black woman in a black dress stands in front of a white step and repeat with logos on it.
Ayana Byrd  Aug 9, 2019 1:28PM EDT

Planned Parenthood's New Leader On Racial Equity and Reproductive Health Freedom

Alexis McGill Johnson talks to Colorlines about bringing her life’s work as a racial justice organizer to the reproductive health care organization.
Leana Wen. Asian woman wearing a black sleeveless shirt, sitting behind a desk with a laptop computer on a brown desk.
Ayana Byrd  Jul 17, 2019 2:16PM EDT

Planned Parenthood President Exits as Organization Prepares for Political Fight

Dr. Leana Wen, who is leaving after eight months, maintains that abortion is a health care—not political—issue.
protest signs at a reproductive rights rally at Capitol Hill
Ayana Byrd  Jul 16, 2019 2:45PM EDT

New Blueprint For Reproductive Justice Hopes to Transform Health Care

More than 80 organizations wrote a manifesto to bring about new policies even as growing conservatism seeks to limit access to reproductive care.
outside of Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals building
Ayana Byrd  Jun 21, 2019 1:34PM EDT

Abortion 'Gag Rule' Goes Into Effect

Abortion providers in 49 states will lose federal money if they refer patients for the medical procedure.
Dr. Yashica Robinson. Black woman in white suit and black shirt sits at microphone with people behind her.
Ayana Byrd  Jun 19, 2019 2:00PM EDT

The Stakes Podcast Speaks to Alabama's Sole Abortion Provider

Host Kai Wright tours one of just three clinics that provide the medical procedure in the entire state.
a number of protest signs supporting abortion rights
Ayana Byrd  Jun 17, 2019 3:11PM EDT

NYC Funds Abortions For People From States With Restrictive Bans

It is the first time a city has used its budget to step into the national abortion battle.
Pregnant person in a striped gray and black shirt holding a purple flower as someone touches their stomach
Ayana Byrd  Jun 11, 2019 4:24PM EDT

STUDY: Being Denied an Abortion is Detrimental to Long-Term Health

In the first study of its kind, researchers looked at illness in people denied abortions compared to those who were able to obtain the medical procedure.
outside of St. Louis Planned Parenthood with Missouri and U.S. flags
Ayana Byrd  Jun 3, 2019 10:32AM EDT

Missouri's One Abortion Clinic Will Stay Open—For Now

A judge temporarily stopped the state from revoking St. Louis Planned Parenthood’s license.
People on steps at Connecticut Black Reproductive Freedom Rally. Three Black women stand in front of banner with megaphone.
N. Jamiyla Chisholm  May 30, 2019 3:38PM EDT

Activists Unite for Black Reproductive Freedom Rally

Activists from nine organizations stood up for Black people’s bodies on the steps of Connecticut’s State Supreme Court.
women hold signs in support of abortion rights outside Supreme Court
Ayana Byrd  May 29, 2019 10:11AM EDT

Supreme Court Issues Partial Ruling on Indiana Abortion Law

The justices did not rule on the part of the law that addresses the constitutionality of the medical procedure.
Black woman standing in front of signs supporting abortion rights
Ayana Byrd  May 28, 2019 1:34PM EDT

ICYMI: Court Blocks Mississippi's 6-Week Abortion Ban

In his ruling, United States District Judge Carlton W. Reeves began with four telling words: “Here we go again.” 
outside shot of Manhattan's federal courthouse
Ayana Byrd  May 22, 2019 12:39PM EDT

Two Dozen States and Cities Sue Trump Administration to Protect Reproductive Rights

The lawsuits seek to block the “conscience rule,” which allows health care providers to deny abortion care and other legal medical services.
Profile view of pregnant woman wearing black shirt with long brown hair hiding her face standing beside a white and green U.S. Border Patrol truck.
Shani Saxon  May 15, 2019 5:42PM EDT

Are Federal Officials Criminalizing Pregnant Migrants?

Immigrant advocates say the United States Marshals Service is committing “atrocities” against these vulnerable asylum-seekers.
Roger Smitherman of Alabama state senate at a podium
Ayana Byrd  May 15, 2019 1:41PM EDT

Alabama Passes Bill That Effectively Bans Abortion

The nation’s most restrictive law was drafted with the hope that it will lead to the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade.