Healthcare in Alabama after Roe v. Wade

Access to health care has significantly changed since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022. This decision led to the implementation of the Human Life Protection Act in Alabama in 2019, which effectively banned most abortions in the state, making it one of the first in the nation to restrict reproductive rights.

The deteriorated access to reproductive health care, not limited to just abortions, has become a significant concern for organizations like Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity (URGE) in Alabama. The state’s healthcare system is inadequate in supporting individuals giving birth, regardless of the legal status of abortion.

Alabama has been at the forefront of reproductive issues nationally, with controversial decisions like classifying frozen embryos as children by the Alabama Supreme Court, leading to a temporary halt in IVF treatments. While infertility clinics have reopened, uncertainty lingers regarding the future of family planning in the state.

Despite these challenges, URGE continues to advocate for policy solutions to address the lack of adequate medical resources, especially in marginalized communities. Initiatives like exempting baby and menstrual products from state sales tax and expanding Medicaid are part of the ongoing efforts to improve access to healthcare for pregnant individuals and those in need of reproductive care.