How SCOTUS Gave Prosecutors Incredible Power Over Abortion Access

TIME

On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court eliminated federal constitutional protection for abortion with the Dobbs v. Jackson decision and said that it was sending abortion back to state legislatures. But two years later, it is actually the state and local prosecutors who are on the frontlines of the fight for reproductive rights.

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00:00It's been two years since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and ended the nationwide

00:04right to abortion. For anyone hoping that the 2022 Dobbs decision would be the last word,

00:10it has not turned out that way. Abortion is at the center of elections this year,

00:15and it's still in the courts. But a lot of details have changed since that ruling.

00:20Travel has become a big part of the reality of abortion because of state bans, including 14

00:25where it's not allowed at any stage of pregnancy. One study found that about one-sixth of abortions

00:31last year involved crossing state lines. Advocates say the cost can be much higher

00:36for women who have to travel hundreds of miles, and that can leave lasting financial impact.

00:41Another change is the rise of abortion pills, which are now used in the majority of cases.

00:47The Supreme Court ruled this month against a group of anti-abortion doctors who wanted to

00:53roll back federal approval of one of the pills. And looking ahead to November,

00:57voters in at least Colorado, Florida, Maryland, and South Carolina will be asked to consider state

01:03constitutional amendments to guarantee abortion access. The issue is also once again at center

01:08stage in the presidential election.

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