from States Newsroom
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By Elisha Brown |
Mayday Health posted signs like this one at gas stations around South Dakota in December 2025 as part of a campaign to spread awareness about the availability of abortion pills. (Courtesy of Mayday Health)
Ads for abortion pills are still allowed in South Dakota after a federal appeals court last week denied state officials’ request to reinstate a law that criminalizes abortion pill advertising.
A lower court judge blocked enforcement of the law this summer following a lawsuit filed by a former Democratic state legislator and Mayday Health, an organization that provides information about how to get abortions, South Dakota Searchlight reported.
The plaintiffs said that the law violated free speech and argued that wearing a sweatshirt from Mayday declaring that abortion pills can be purchased in all 50 states would be illegal under the statute.
In August, South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden and Attorney General Marty Jackley, both Republicans, appealed the decision that blocked the law. Last week’s ruling by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirms the lower-court ruling that the state cannot enforce the law while the lawsuit plays out.
THE BEAT
The official petition for a ballot initiative to restore abortion access in Idaho, as seen here, was submitted to Attorney General Raúl Labrador’s office. (Photo courtesy of Melanie Folwell)
IDAHO
Supporters and opponents of Idaho’s abortion rights initiative have raised millions: Idahoans United for Women and Families has raised nearly $5 million from more than 3,000 donors in support of a measure to restore abortion rights in the state, according to the latest campaign finance data. Too Extreme for Idaho, the group that opposes the measure, has collected roughly $2.5 million from 83 donors, based on the database. Both political action committees have received a total of $12,300 from church-affiliated groups, with more than half of those donations going to opponents. — Idaho Capital Sun
MISSOURI
Missouri nonprofit launches campaign focused on abortion options ahead of November vote: The Missouri Abortion Fund launched a billboard campaign this month to inform people about the availability of abortion in the state ahead of the midterms. Voters will decide on a ballot measure that asks whether they want to ban most abortions and gender-affirming care for minors. “Our patients that we help, they can’t wait for policy changes, they can’t wait for elections. They need help today,” said Robin Frisella, the fund’s communications director. — Missouri Independent
MICHIGAN
Michigan governor, reproductive rights advocates urge no vote on constitutional convention: Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and reproductive rights advocates called on voters to reject a ballot measure that would set up a constitutional convention in the state. Whitmer, alongside leaders of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan and the state American Civil Liberties Union affiliate, said a convention could jeopardize a reproductive rights amendment most voters approved in 2022. “This is not an attempt to work around the will of the people,” she said. “It is an attempt to undo the will of the people, and we can’t let that happen.” — Michigan Advance
MARYLAND
Maryland law protecting emergency abortions takes effect: A Maryland law took effect last week that protects people who need emergency abortions for stabilizing care. Abortion is broadly legal in Maryland, but the legislation enshrines Biden-era guidance that ensures pregnant patients can receive medically necessary abortions in cases of emergencies. The Trump administration rescinded that guidance last year, causing confusion for states about what is required under the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act. — Maryland Matters
NATIONAL
Mothers face barriers to accessing mental healthcare, survey shows: About half of American mothers said they struggle to take care of their own mental health, according to a report released last week. Nearly 60% of mothers with children under 4 said they struggle to take care of their own mental health, the survey found. Finances, mental health and physical health or healthcare are top stressors affecting moms surveyed. — Florida Phoenix
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THE PULSE
AR: Arkansas, Kentucky each awarded $10M grants for maternal health efforts | Arkansas Advocate
NV: Woman incarcerated for miscarriage receives $1.6M from Nevada county | The Nevada Independent
NY: New York stockpiled abortion pills. Now they're all expired. | Gothamist
US: White House officials told DOJ to delay action on abortion ahead of the midterms | The Washington Sun
ABORTION ACCESS IN THE U.S.
Track state-level developments on reproductive rights anytime at News From The States. Send tips and thoughts to ✉️ [email protected], and follow her on Bluesky @elishabrown.
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