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Americans United for Life has released its annual 2024 State Policy Report. Please read the report in full to get a snapshot of the pro-life movements’ work in 2024 and see where you can join us in 2025. Here are a few key takeaways:
The Pro-Life Landscape Two Years After Dobbs v. Jackson
In 2022, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturned Roe v. Wade, reshaping abortion laws across the U.S. Today, 23 states protect unborn children from abortion at 12 weeks or earlier. This is all thanks to the hard work of pro-life legislators and grassroots supporters put in for many years leading up to this landmark victory. However, our collective triumph has led to increased opposition from the goliath abortion industry. The pro-abortion movement is highly motivated. They have poured hundreds of millions of dollars into ballot initiatives and deceptive messaging to challenge pro-life laws across America. Their efforts have overturned protections in several states, turning them into radical abortion hubs.
2024 State Legislative Sessions
The 2024 legislative year saw wins and losses. Pro-abortion groups are pushing unrestricted abortion access and targeting preborn life. We’re also fighting on various fronts beyond abortion, such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) practices and physician-assisted suicide bills. Despite these challenges, the pro-life movement remains steadfast. Florida, for example, enacted a six-week abortion ban, reaffirmed by voters. AUL advocated strongly in states like Delaware, Virginia, Minnesota, and others to protect life against physician-assisted suicide.
Rise of Chemical Abortions
Chemical abortions have become a significant concern as they now account for 63% of all abortions, up from 53% in 2020. Pills are often obtained illegally online, bypassing state protections. States like Louisiana and Texas are stepping up with stricter regulations to combat this. We are hopeful the incoming administration will urge the FDA to look at common sense restrictions to the abortion pill regime.
Physician-Assisted Suicide
In 2024, 20 states introduced bills to legalize physician-assisted suicide. While many efforts failed, Colorado expanded access by shortening waiting periods and allowing nurse practitioners to prescribe lethal drugs. Delaware narrowly avoided becoming the 11th jurisdiction to legalize physician-assisted suicide after a gubernatorial veto. Pro-life legislators continue to fight back. West Virginia passed a constitutional amendment protecting the elderly and disabled from physician-assisted suicide.
Ballot Initiatives: A Pro-Life Battleground
While we saw victories in Florida, South Dakota, and Nebraska, the ballot initiative battleground will continue to be a focus in 2026. Pro-abortion activists are using ballot measures and deceptive language to pass unlimited abortion access. In states like Michigan and Vermont, constitutional amendments now guarantee unrestricted abortion rights. This strategy poses a severe threat to pro-life laws. Grassroots efforts are critical. Activists must engage voters and counter misleading campaigns to protect life at the state level.
In-Vitro Fertilization: A Surprising Focus
A case in Alabama, LePage v. Center for Reproductive Medicine, highlighted IVF’s ethical dilemmas. The court ruled that destroyed embryos are protected under wrongful death laws. A seemingly pro-life win sparked backlash and discussion in the movement, with states introducing bills shielding IVF clinics from liability. AUL advocates for ethical IVF practices that respect embryonic life and oppose the destruction of “unwanted” embryos.
Moving Forward: A Call to be Vigilant
The 2024 legislative sessions have shown that the fight for life is far from over. Pro-life supporters must stay vigilant, push for stronger laws, and educate communities on protecting life from conception to natural death. Stay informed and join us as we advance the human right to life in culture, law, and policy. Together, we can build a culture that values and safeguards every human life. Read the full 2024 State Policy Report today!