The post-Dobbs landscape has led to varied outcomes in different states regarding abortion access. While blue states like California and New York have made efforts to expand abortion access, their initiatives have not fully taken effect yet. Meanwhile, Florida, despite being a Republican-controlled state, saw the largest increase in the number of abortions post-Dobbs. This can be attributed to the fact that Florida borders states with severe abortion restrictions.

California invested $200 million in reproductive health care, including funds for expanding services, building new clinics, and providing travel and lodging support for out-of-state patients. New York approved measures such as Medicaid rate increases and funding for local abortion and family planning providers. However, both states are still facing challenges in addressing barriers to access, such as cost and limited Medicaid acceptance by some providers.

While it may take time for the full impact of the Dobbs ruling to be understood, these blue states are setting examples for other Democratic-led states to follow. States like Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Maryland are replicating some of the strategies implemented by California and New York, including shield laws for medical records, constitutional protections for abortion rights, and training programs for providers from other states.

Abortion remains a significant political issue, with Democrats generally supporting abortion access and Republicans advocating for restrictions. Democrats see it as a winning issue, especially as red states continue to restrict rights. It has the potential to capture support from centrist Republicans and Republican-leaning women when framed as a fundamental civil right.

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/06/24/abortion-california-new-york-dobbs-00103494