The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned nearly 50 years of constitutional rights to abortion, has significantly altered the landscape of reproductive health in the United States.

The conservative agenda, particularly Project 2025, aims to restrict access to certain contraceptive methods by removing them from mandated health insurance coverage, reflecting a broader trend of limiting reproductive health services.

There is a growing concern that certain contraceptives, such as IUDs and emergency contraceptive pills, may be reclassified as abortion-inducing medications, which could jeopardize their insurance coverage under programs like Medicaid.

The Affordable Care Act currently mandates coverage for a range of contraceptives without cost-sharing, but efforts to redefine contraceptives as abortifacients threaten this essential coverage.

On the third anniversary of the Dobbs decision, experts warn that the implications of the ruling extend beyond abortion access, posing significant risks to contraception availability for women across the U.S.

As of June 2025, 12 states have implemented near-total abortion bans, while 19 states impose restrictions after fetal viability, raising concerns about unintended pregnancies among women in these regions.

The closure of abortion clinics in states with strict laws has not only limited access to abortion but has also reduced the availability of contraceptive services, with studies indicating a decline in oral contraceptive prescriptions.

In response to the Dobbs decision, nearly 20% of women aged 18 to 49 have altered their contraception practices, with many opting for more effective methods or choosing sterilization.

Research from Ohio shows a notable shift in contraceptive choices, with a 16% increase in women selecting long-acting methods and a 33% rise in men opting for vasectomies following the ruling.

As contraception use is nearly universal among women of reproductive age, concerns about access are growing, underscoring the importance of these services in preventing unintended pregnancies.

While there has been no significant exodus of OB-GYNs from states with strict abortion laws, a decline in residency applications for all specialties suggests a potential long-term decrease in healthcare providers.