- Since DC lacks statehood, our city is subject to the whims of congressional representatives from far-away states who have the final say over our local laws and our budget.
- Congress has repeatedly and regularly restricted access to abortion care in DC. Source: ACLU
- In each of the other 50 states, state representatives have full authority to protect a woman’s right to choose under state law. In fact, 21 states have taken the steps to do so.
- However, since DC is not a state and has no state legislature, some decisions regarding abortion in DC are left to Congress, where DC residents have no voting representation.
- For example, The Dornan Amendment is a federal law currently in effect that prohibits congressionally-appropriated funds, such as Medicaid, from being used to pay for abortions in DC.
- This has real-world consequences, as many women are faced with unjust coverage bans simply because their city is not permitted control over its budget.
What to Know and Do About Abortion Access in D.C.
The Supreme Court opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization has endanger access to safe abortions all across the country. Here’s what you need to know about abortion in D.C., and what
