Project 50 March Political Newsletter
We’re excited to share with you Project 50’s first political newsletter. In a time when reproductive rights are under constant attack nationally and at the state level, staying informed is more important than ever. We hope this newsletter will provide you with valuable insight into our state partners’ work in support of reproductive rights. In each edition, we’ll break down legislation, highlight work happening on the ground, particularly in our target states, and provide actionable ways to support reproductive rights.
Thank you for being part of this movement.
Bryan Howard, Executive Director
Marlou Svenson, Political Director
National Landscape Updates
Nearly half of all states have enacted strict abortion bans or severe restrictions, with legal battles continuing over enforcement and exceptions. At least 16 states have enacted near-total abortion bans, some with no exceptions for rape or incest. In addition, a growing number of conservative-led states are pursuing more aggressive measures to penalize not only providers but also individuals who seek or assist with abortions.
Key developments include:
Criminal Penalties for Providers & Patients: Some states, like Texas and Oklahoma, have strengthened laws that impose felony charges on doctors performing abortions. Lawmakers in many of the same states have also proposed classifying abortion as homicide, though these measures face constitutional challenges.
Interstate Travel Restrictions: Legislators in states such as Idaho and Missouri have introduced bills attempting to criminalize helping minors or residents travel out of state for abortion care. While legal challenges are pending, these laws create uncertainty for patients and providers.
Bounty-Hunter Laws & Civil Penalties: Texas Heartbeat Act style laws, which allow private citizens to sue anyone who aids in abortion, have inspired similar legislation in other states, increasing fear and legal risks for those seeking reproductive care.
Medication Abortion Bans: States like Wyoming and Louisiana have sought to restrict access to abortion pills, despite federal FDA approval. Ongoing lawsuits may determine whether states can override federal medication regulations.
Prosecution of a New York Doctor: Louisiana is attempting to prosecute a New York doctor for providing abortion care to a Louisiana resident. This unprecedented move is part of a broader effort by anti-abortion states to extend their laws beyond state borders, testing the limits of legal jurisdiction and the constitutional right to travel for medical care.
On the federal level, attacks on protections for reproductive health care, funding for contraception, and the future of the Title X program continue.
The FDA’s approval of over-the-counter birth control pills marks a milestone for contraceptive access, but disparities in availability and affordability remain.
State Partner Updates
Progressive Arkansas Women's PAC & Progressive Arkansas Project
Arkansas
In PAWPAC’s ongoing efforts to ensure access to reproductive health care, they are closely monitoring several legislative developments that pose significant challenges.
Anti-choice leaders in Arkansas have filed ballot measure bills in direct response to abortion rights almost being on the 2024 ballot. Specifically, these bills seek to complicate the process, adding stringent requirements, such as photo ID, and expanded powers for the secretary of state to reject signatures. These measures reflect a broader attempt to restrict abortion rights, making it clear that we must remain vigilant as we prepare for the upcoming 2026 elections. Click HERE to learn more.
An anti-choice legislator has been attempting to mandate that public school students watch a human development video titled "Meet Baby Olivia". While this bill has faced bipartisan opposition and failed multiple times in committee, we are keeping a close eye on its potential resurgence before the session ends. We are proud to share that Project 50 Board member Chad Taylor, MD testified against this bill, sharing his concerns as an OBGYN in Arkansas and helping ensure the bill's defeat. Click HERE for more on this story.
The introduction of legislation that mandates tracking and reporting of embryos created through assisted reproductive technologies has raised significant concerns, as it places unnecessary obligations on fertility clinics.
PAWPAC has been thrilled to see their endorsed elected officials vocally oppose these bills while publicly emphasizing the need for more like-minded women in the legislature. Their commitment inspires PAWPAC to continue their work and reminds us of the importance of flipping more seats to create a more supportive environment for reproductive health care in Arkansas.
Indiana
On February 20th, Our Choice Coalition joined forces with other like minded organizations for Reproductive Rights Lobby Day—and Hoosiers showed up loud and strong in support of reproductive freedom.
Pictured on the left, Liane Groth Hulka, Co-Founder and Board Chair of Our Choice Coalition.
Our Choice Coalition also hosted two screenings of the Zurawski v. Texas documentary and was joined by reproductive rights activists, Amanda Zurawski and Dr. Caitlin Bernard.
In addition to these events, Our Choice Coalition is focused on the following legislative and judicial updates in the state:
In a critical win for patient privacy and provider safety in Indiana, a judge issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Braun administration, blocking the release of Terminated Pregnancy Reports (TPRs) while doctors fought back in court. This decision puts a pause on Attorney General Rokita’s ruthless attempt to expose sensitive medical records, but the fight isn’t over.
Dangerous legislation continues to threaten abortion access in Indiana. Indiana Senate Concurrent Resolution 24 aims to commend and support the state’s nearly 100 crisis pregnancy centers and advocates for increased assistance for medical equipment for these centers and abstinence-only education. However, health experts express concern that this resolution may further legitimize centers that often provide misleading information to vulnerable patients.
Join us on May 7th to learn more!
If you’re interested in learning more about Project 50 and our state partners, we invite you to Project 50’s “How We Win” Event on Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, at the Ivy Room at Tree Studios (12 E Ohio St. Chicago, IL).
Our program will feature Project 50 Board member, Kathleen Sebelius, former Secretary of Health and Human Services and former Governor of Kansas. The program will also include a panel of our state partners and highlight our successful work with them to fight back by electing pro-choice candidates in the most conservative states.
Our goal for “How We Win” is to raise $100,000 to expand power-building into two more states. You can RSVP online HERE or directly to Erin Schuler, at info@project50.net.
Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement during these unprecedented times. We’re grateful to be in this fight alongside you. Please reach out to us at info@project50.net with any questions.
Paid for by Project 50 (project50.net) and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.