The Fight for Reproductive Rights: Trump’s Executive Orders 

(Courtesy/Center for Reproductive Rights) 

In the wake of President Trump’s push against access to abortion, some women’s reproductive rights organizations are working hard to provide information on abortion services and other healthcare options to women. 

As part of the slew of executive orders signed in late January, President Trump prohibited the use of federal U.S. taxpayer dollars for abortion. Executive Order 14182 focuses on enforcing the Hyde Amendment, which according to the Congressional Research Service: “restricts federally funded abortions under major federal healthcare programs, such as Medicaid and Medicare.” This means that individuals who participate in government healthcare insurance programs cannot use their insurance to pay for abortions. 

“I’m fortunate to be from New York which amended its state constitution to protect my reproductive rights,” said Rachel McCain, a senior film and TV major. “But I have family in the south who are quite frankly in danger should they need care. Trump’s policies have very real and detrimental effects on young women across this country.” 

By enforcing this amendment, President Trump effectively defunded abortion access to women across the United States. This follows the 2022 Supreme Court decision to repeal Roe V. Wade giving the federal government ultimate authority to create laws and regulations regarding abortion. By repealing this case, individual states now have the authority to dictate their own policies regarding abortion. This was seen as a large step backward in the fight for reproductive freedom as many states like Texas, Arkansas and Idaho) instituted strict abortion bans. 

In the midst of these regulations and restrictions, organizations like Planned Parenthood and the Center for Reproductive Rights are just two of the hundreds that are still advocating for reproductive rights, including access to abortion.

Planned Parenthood provides affordable sexual and reproductive healthcare for people across the nation. Their clinics also perform safe abortions in states where they are still legal. On top of providing care, the Planned Parenthood website says they “engage in educational, advocacy and limited electoral activity, including grassroots organizing, legislative advocacy, and voter education.” 

The Center for Reproductive Rights has a Repro Red Flags: Agency Watch, which provides updates on all of the President’s appointments and their stance on reproductive rights. It also includes a list of all of Trump’s executive actions related to women’s health and reproductive rights. 

As an individual, there are many ways to support the fight for reproductive freedom. Most grassroots organizations including both Planned Parenthood and the Center for Reproductive Rights are reliant on financial donations in order to fund their work. They also need volunteers to help with their on-the-ground efforts. 

The easiest way to support the fight is to stay informed on policies and their effects on abortion access.