Reproductive Equity Now Statement on Third Anniversary of Dobbs Decision
Boston (June 24, 2025) – Reproductive Equity Now President Rebecca Hart Holder released the following statement in acknowledgment of the third anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, a ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade, effectively allowing states to ban abortion care.
“Three years ago, the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs stripped away the federal constitutional right to abortion care, unleashing a wave of bans, criminalization, and suffering across the country. Since then, patients have been denied emergency care, providers have been threatened with prosecution, and people have paid the price for extremist politicians’ disregard for our health and autonomy. Under a second Trump administration, the attacks are only escalating,” said Rebecca Hart Holder, President of Reproductive Equity Now. “But Dobbs also made one thing clear: across red, blue, and purple states, the people are fighting back. New England is primed to meet this moment with bold action. We must maintain and bolster our commitment to protecting providers, expanding access, and building a future where reproductive freedom is accessible for everyone.”
Across New England, states have taken bold action to protect and expand reproductive freedom in the wake of the Dobbs decision. In Massachusetts, lawmakers enacted one of the strongest shield laws in the country to protect providers and patients regardless of zip code—a statute that lawmakers and advocates are currently working to strengthen. The state has invested significant funding to support abortion access, eliminated cost-sharing for abortion and contraception, and continues working to expand care throughout pregnancy, ensure affordable maternal health services, and safeguard sensitive health data.
Connecticut became the first state in the nation to pass a shield law protecting patients and providers, which was further strengthened this year. The state has clarified that minors can consent to birth control and pregnancy care without parental involvement, and established a practical support fund for those seeking abortion and gender-affirming care. Ongoing efforts include expanding shield protections to telehealth providers, increasing access to later abortion care, and advancing equity in fertility treatment coverage.
In New Hampshire, the passage of Momnibus 1.0 in 2023 marked a significant milestone for maternal health.Momnibus 2.0, a package of policies designed to support maternal mental health, is now on track to pass as a part of the state budget. The state has successfully defeated repeated attempts to ban abortion, including a recent 15-week ban, and has improved access to equitable fertility care. Reproductive Equity Now has worked to support independent abortion providers and raise awareness about the harmful spread of anti-abortion centers, which outnumber legitimate clinics more than three to one.
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