Two years after a leaked Supreme Court draft, abortion continues to dominate US politics and courts

The nation’s abortion landscape continues to be a hot-button issue, with laws and policies changing rapidly across the country. Two years after a leaked draft of a U.S. Supreme Court opinion hinted at a major shift, the impact is still being felt in courts, legislatures, and political campaigns.

In Florida, a ban on abortion after the first six weeks of pregnancy has taken effect, joining similar laws in two other states. Meanwhile, Arizona lawmakers voted to repeal a total ban on abortion dating back to 1864. The Kansas Legislature has increased funding for anti-abortion centers, while advocates in South Dakota are pushing for a ballot measure to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution.

The status of abortion varies widely across states, with some enforcing bans at all stages of pregnancy and others working to preserve or expand access. Despite the changes, studies have shown that the number of monthly abortions nationally remains steady or has even increased since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.

The emotional debate surrounding abortion has led to voters supporting abortion rights advocates in statewide ballot measures. Activists like Amanda Zurawski, who was denied an abortion despite a medical emergency, have become vocal advocates for abortion rights.

As the issue continues to dominate the political stage, with battleground states like Arizona playing a key role, the upcoming election is expected to be highly charged. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have taken opposing stances on abortion, with Biden criticizing Trump’s Supreme Court appointments and Trump advocating for states to have more control over abortion laws.

The fight over abortion rights is far from over, with states like Florida, Maryland, and New York set to vote on measures to protect access to abortion. The outcome of these battles will have far-reaching implications for women’s healthcare and reproductive rights in the United States.