Women's health groups in Illinois and across the country are angered by a pair of federal court rulings last week on the abortion drug mifepristone.

A Texas judge's ruling rolled back the federal Food and Drug Administration's approval, effectively banning the drug.

The same day, a Washington State judge ruled the FDA must keep medication abortion drugs available in over a dozen Democratic-led states, including Illinois.

Everything is currently on hold while an appeals court sorts it out. Cristina Villarreal, chief of external affairs at Planned Parenthood of Illinois, said the Texas ruling was the result of "judge shopping" by anti-abortion groups.

"With the Texas case," said Villarreal, "it's kind of ridiculous that a judge in Texas can make decisions for people who can become pregnant in Illinois, where we have clearly said we support the right to choose."

Mifepristone was approved in 2000 by the FDA. The drug has been used by over 5 million patients.

However, in his ruling, Federal Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk suggests the FDA had not properly tested the drug and has ordered it off the market.

The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year, essentially giving the power to states to regulate abortion access.

Since then, most "red" states have put restrictions on the procedure, while others have made abortions generally available.

Villarreal said Planned Parenthood strongly believes the electorate will ultimately decide the issue.

"In the ballot box, we've seen that voters are - again and again - trying to protect the right to choose," said Villarreal. "We know that the American public supports access to abortion care."

In the meantime, Villarreal said Planned Parenthood of Illinois will continue to offer all abortion-care options available.


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There are growing concerns about the prevalence of Christian Nationalism, an ideology that seeks to establish a theocracy rooted in Christian principles. Research indicates that about one-in-three Pennsylvanians support Christian Nationalist views, which opponents argue challenge the American ideal of separation of church and state.

Rachel Tabachnick, an independent researcher and former political research associate fellow, said the rise of Christian Nationalism, seen during the 2024 elections, threatens reproductive healthcare access.

"This is supposed to be a bottom-up theocracy based on biblical law being enforced at the family,
church and local civil government level. So, in order for this to work, women must stay in their God given roles, which is to have children and raise her family," she said.

On a recent episode of the "(In)Accessible" podcast, Tabachnick spoke about the history of Christian Nationalism, and how Theocratic Libertarianism advocates for laws based on biblical principles.

Tabachnick said that movement seeks minimal federal government and governance based on biblical law, aiming to dismantle institutions like the IRS and Department of Education.

Rebecca Susman, communications and development director with Keystone Progress, added that Project 2025, a 900-page guide by the Heritage Foundation, is intended as a blueprint for another Trump administration. The guide covers numerous issues, which Susman argues pose threats to basic rights and freedoms, particularly reproductive rights. She added that aspects of the plan were proposed last year.

"Conservatives have already begun implementing it, with one example being the addition of an anti-trans health care rider in a military spending act that was right out of the Project 2025 playbook, and it passed out of committee," Susman explained.

Tabachnick pointed out that in the 1970s and 1980s, the founders of Christian Reconstructionism wrote thousands of pages detailing how to reshape society and government under Old Testament law. Decades later, these blueprints remain relevant, as they were designed for a long-term transformation. Like Project 2025, most Americans reject these ideas, but they still need greater exposure and scrutiny.

Evanston Regional Hospital is discontinuing its labor and delivery services next week, citing a "steady decline of demand."

It is the fourth Wyoming facility to end services since 2016. The change will add to the state's list of "maternity care deserts," which included five counties last year, according to the March of Dimes.

Gov. Mark Gordon requested about $2.4 million in supplemental budget funding to better reimburse hospitals for Medicaid births, which make up about one-third of all births in the state.

Rebekah Hazelton, director of the Wyoming Women's Foundation, called it a "really positive thing."

"Labor and delivery services in Wyoming are not paying for themselves, even at the market rates," Hazelton pointed out. "That's part of the problem why they're closing, is because there are relatively few births in Wyoming and the birth rate has gone down."

Declining birth rates also mean providers are getting less practice in birthing rooms, which Hazelton noted could affect the quality of care. With ongoing abortion litigation and an expected slew of legislation, Hazelton added physicians are leaving the state because the laws are "vague enough," some fear providing care could bring legal consequences.

Maternal health access has been a priority for Gordon, whose Health Task Force includes an OB Subcommittee. The topic was also high on the Labor, Health and Social Services Interim Committee's agenda but Hazelton noted many seats turned over on Election Day.

"A lot of the legislators that are new won't have benefited from that interim study," Hazelton acknowledged. "We'll be kind of starting over to educate them about the problem, in terms of advocates for moms and babies in Wyoming."

She added both groups are working on various solutions. So far, no 2025 bills have been drafted on the subject.


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Birth doulas across Arkansas have formed a new organization to improve maternal health care across the state and help pass legislation they hope will make doula services accessible to more families.

Doulas are members of a birthing team providing emotional, physical and educational support to expectant mothers.

Cora Crain, cofounder and board vice president of the Doula Alliance of Arkansas, said research shows doula services can reduce cesarean sections, premature deliveries and length of labor.

"We have people reaching out to us. This is their first time they don't know what they don't know," Crain explained. "It's all very overwhelming. There's definitely a certain amount of fear that a lot of people are bringing to the birth experience and then of course if you had a doula in your previous birth then you usually continue."

Doulas provide services during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.

Members of the alliance are supporting a bill before state legislators next year mandating insurance companies and Medicaid to cover doula costs. Crain noted if passed, the legislation will make services available to more expectant mothers.

"Doula services can be so important in getting healthier outcomes and also just more positive experiences that lead to more positive postpartum times," Crain emphasized. "But it's just not as accessible to so many women that can't afford that out-of-pocket expense. "

Arkansas has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the nation.


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