Reproductive Rights Law Initiative (RRLI)
@cwrureprolaw.bsky.social
The Reproductive Rights Law Initiative (RRLI) at CWRU School of Law aims to preserve, protect, and expand access to abortion and reproductive health care in Ohio and across the Midwest through advocacy, education and scholarship.
The court kept Ohio’s 6-week abortion ban blocked while lifting some related provisions. Abortion access remains unchanged as the State considers whether to appeal.
Read the opinion here: rrli.info/6WkAppealOp
Read the opinion here: rrli.info/6WkAppealOp
January 8, 2026 at 4:50 PM
The court kept Ohio’s 6-week abortion ban blocked while lifting some related provisions. Abortion access remains unchanged as the State considers whether to appeal.
Read the opinion here: rrli.info/6WkAppealOp
Read the opinion here: rrli.info/6WkAppealOp
RRLI’s offices will be closed from Wednesday, December 24, 2025 through Friday, January 2, 2026 for winter recess! We’ll be back on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Wishing you a warm and restful break!
#WinterRecess
Wishing you a warm and restful break!
#WinterRecess
December 23, 2025 at 5:04 PM
RRLI’s offices will be closed from Wednesday, December 24, 2025 through Friday, January 2, 2026 for winter recess! We’ll be back on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Wishing you a warm and restful break!
#WinterRecess
Wishing you a warm and restful break!
#WinterRecess
✨ RRLI 2025 Recap ✨
From growing our team and building powerful partnerships, to showing up for reproductive justice in community spaces and the courts, 2025 was a busy year! Thank you to all our partners, supporters, and community for making this work possible. See you in 2026!
From growing our team and building powerful partnerships, to showing up for reproductive justice in community spaces and the courts, 2025 was a busy year! Thank you to all our partners, supporters, and community for making this work possible. See you in 2026!
December 18, 2025 at 7:42 PM
✨ RRLI 2025 Recap ✨
From growing our team and building powerful partnerships, to showing up for reproductive justice in community spaces and the courts, 2025 was a busy year! Thank you to all our partners, supporters, and community for making this work possible. See you in 2026!
From growing our team and building powerful partnerships, to showing up for reproductive justice in community spaces and the courts, 2025 was a busy year! Thank you to all our partners, supporters, and community for making this work possible. See you in 2026!
Quentrill is one of a small group of midwives trying to fill a gap in critical maternal healthcare that few medical providers offer to residents in West Virginia.
Over 30,000 Miles, a Midwife Navigates West Virginia’s Maternity Deserts
www.nytimes.com
December 16, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Quentrill is one of a small group of midwives trying to fill a gap in critical maternal healthcare that few medical providers offer to residents in West Virginia.
Doctors have reported rising maternal and infant health complications as patients skip essential medical care since President Trump ended protections against immigration enforcement in U.S. hospitals and clinics earlier this year.
19thnews.org/2025/10/preg...
19thnews.org/2025/10/preg...
ICE fears put pregnant immigrants and their babies at risk
Fear of deportation is deterring people without permanent legal status from critical care. Doctors are worried for their health — and the health of their pregnancies.
19thnews.org
December 12, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Doctors have reported rising maternal and infant health complications as patients skip essential medical care since President Trump ended protections against immigration enforcement in U.S. hospitals and clinics earlier this year.
19thnews.org/2025/10/preg...
19thnews.org/2025/10/preg...
Since many surrounding states enacted strict abortion bans, pregnant people are seeking care elsewhere, including Carbondale, Illinois -- a small city whose three clinics provided nearly 11,000 abortions last year, primarily for women from other states.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/07/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/07/u...
A Small Illinois City at the Center of a Seismic Shift in Abortion Access
www.nytimes.com
December 11, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Since many surrounding states enacted strict abortion bans, pregnant people are seeking care elsewhere, including Carbondale, Illinois -- a small city whose three clinics provided nearly 11,000 abortions last year, primarily for women from other states.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/07/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/07/u...
Browder has spent more than a decade exposing the overlooked exploitation of Black women in American medical history, unveiling the *Mothers of Gynecology* monument in 2021. She has now expanded her work to combat Alabama's maternal-health crisis. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
One woman's quest to reclaim the ugly history of Black maternal health
Artist Michelle Browder's Mothers of Gynecology project is an act of resistance.
www.motherjones.com
December 8, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Browder has spent more than a decade exposing the overlooked exploitation of Black women in American medical history, unveiling the *Mothers of Gynecology* monument in 2021. She has now expanded her work to combat Alabama's maternal-health crisis. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
SANE nurses are a crucial component to the justice process, collecting forensic evidence after an assault, testifying in court, and providing trauma-informed care to survivors.
www.cleveland.com/metro/2025/0...
www.cleveland.com/metro/2025/0...
Ohio’s lack of sexual assault examination nurses ‘an impediment to justice,’ advocates say
RAINN reports a shortage of certified sexual assault nurse examiners in Ohio, contributing to the state's 13.5% case closure rate compared to 26.5% nationally.
www.cleveland.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:19 PM
SANE nurses are a crucial component to the justice process, collecting forensic evidence after an assault, testifying in court, and providing trauma-informed care to survivors.
www.cleveland.com/metro/2025/0...
www.cleveland.com/metro/2025/0...
Newly obtained court records show that Texas deputies used Flock Safety’s nationwide license plate reader network to investigate a woman’s self-managed abortion, contradicting claims that they were merely conducting a welfare check.
www.eff.org/deeplinks/20...
www.eff.org/deeplinks/20...
Flock Safety and Texas Sheriff Claimed License Plate Search Was for a Missing Person. It Was an Abortion Investigation.
New documents and court records obtained by EFF show that Texas deputies queried Flock Safety's surveillance data in an abortion investigation, contradicting the narrative promoted by the company and ...
www.eff.org
November 19, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Newly obtained court records show that Texas deputies used Flock Safety’s nationwide license plate reader network to investigate a woman’s self-managed abortion, contradicting claims that they were merely conducting a welfare check.
www.eff.org/deeplinks/20...
www.eff.org/deeplinks/20...
Join RRLI on Monday, November 17 for our upcoming webinar, Radical Inclusion at the DisCo: Repro Health Self-Advocacy!
Learn more and RSVP here: rrli.info/SelfAdvocacy
Learn more and RSVP here: rrli.info/SelfAdvocacy
November 13, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Join RRLI on Monday, November 17 for our upcoming webinar, Radical Inclusion at the DisCo: Repro Health Self-Advocacy!
Learn more and RSVP here: rrli.info/SelfAdvocacy
Learn more and RSVP here: rrli.info/SelfAdvocacy
This community-led effort in Michigan's Upper Peninsula overcame significant barriers to restore access to abortion care and is now expanding services to include contraception, HIV prevention, and gender-affirming care.
www.myupnow.com/news/health/...
www.myupnow.com/news/health/...
After Planned Parenthood closure, doctors pioneer new abortion access model in Upper Peninsula
MARQUETTE, Mich. (WJMN/WBUP) — Earlier this year, the Upper Peninsula lost its only in-person access to abortion care when Marquette’s Planned Parenthood clinic closed. Now, what's replacing it might ...
www.myupnow.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:03 PM
This community-led effort in Michigan's Upper Peninsula overcame significant barriers to restore access to abortion care and is now expanding services to include contraception, HIV prevention, and gender-affirming care.
www.myupnow.com/news/health/...
www.myupnow.com/news/health/...
Update: New Time! Monday, November 3, beginning at 12PT/3ET.
October 31, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Update: New Time! Monday, November 3, beginning at 12PT/3ET.
Reposted by Reproductive Rights Law Initiative (RRLI)
We look forward to learning from @lawmedicinecwru.bsky.social faculty affiliate Prof. @bjessiehill.bsky.social, who will share her wisdom and expertise on reproductive rights at UCLA Law CRHLP's upcoming virtual panel event on Monday, Nov. 3rd!
RRLI is excited to announce that our Director, Jessie Hill, will participate in UCLA Law CRHLP's upcoming virtual panel event, Realizing the Promise of State Reproductive Freedom Amendments. The webinar will be hosted on Monday, November 3rd at 11:30 am PT (2:30 pm ET).
Join us on 11/3 at 11:30 AM PT for our upcoming webinar, Realizing the Promise of State Reproductive Freedom Amendments, featuring lawyers on the frontlines of litigation and ballot campaigns with insights into these new constitutional guarantees. RSVP: bit.ly/CRHLPReproWe...
October 28, 2025 at 9:44 PM
We look forward to learning from @lawmedicinecwru.bsky.social faculty affiliate Prof. @bjessiehill.bsky.social, who will share her wisdom and expertise on reproductive rights at UCLA Law CRHLP's upcoming virtual panel event on Monday, Nov. 3rd!
Despite official guidance directing ICE not to detain pregnant, postpartum, or lactating people, recent reports show that the Trump administration is detaining more pregnant women than ever before in increasingly worse conditions. theintercept.com/2025/10/10/i...
The Trump Administration Is Hiding How Many Pregnant People Are in ICE Detention
The evidence indicates ICE is detaining pregnant women at alarming rates, in rapidly deteriorating conditions.
theintercept.com
October 29, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Despite official guidance directing ICE not to detain pregnant, postpartum, or lactating people, recent reports show that the Trump administration is detaining more pregnant women than ever before in increasingly worse conditions. theintercept.com/2025/10/10/i...
Two House bills currently under consideration could significantly impact abortion care and broader healthcare access in Ohio. Opponents say both HB 324 and HB 410 ignore Ohio voters, who passed a constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights in 2023.
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/10/10/h...
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/10/10/h...
Ohio House committees consider bills that could impact abortion medication, access • Ohio Capital Journal
Two Ohio bills that may have effects on abortion medication and access were considered in separate Ohio House committees this week.
ohiocapitaljournal.com
October 24, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Two House bills currently under consideration could significantly impact abortion care and broader healthcare access in Ohio. Opponents say both HB 324 and HB 410 ignore Ohio voters, who passed a constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights in 2023.
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/10/10/h...
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/10/10/h...
In her op-ed, Dr. Tiffany Green emphasizes that abortion access is not just a medical issue but one of autonomy, dignity and justice. She cautions that focusing only on birth outcomes ties a person's worth to their ability to carry a pregnancy.
academyhealth.org/blog/2025-09...
academyhealth.org/blog/2025-09...
Why Maternal and Child Health Researchers Must Center Bodily Autonomy to Remain Relevant in the Post-Dobbs Era | AcademyHealth
academyhealth.org
October 23, 2025 at 7:38 PM
In her op-ed, Dr. Tiffany Green emphasizes that abortion access is not just a medical issue but one of autonomy, dignity and justice. She cautions that focusing only on birth outcomes ties a person's worth to their ability to carry a pregnancy.
academyhealth.org/blog/2025-09...
academyhealth.org/blog/2025-09...
RRLI is excited to announce that our Director, Jessie Hill, will participate in UCLA Law CRHLP's upcoming virtual panel event, Realizing the Promise of State Reproductive Freedom Amendments. The webinar will be hosted on Monday, November 3rd at 11:30 am PT (2:30 pm ET).
Join us on 11/3 at 11:30 AM PT for our upcoming webinar, Realizing the Promise of State Reproductive Freedom Amendments, featuring lawyers on the frontlines of litigation and ballot campaigns with insights into these new constitutional guarantees. RSVP: bit.ly/CRHLPReproWe...
October 21, 2025 at 7:30 PM
RRLI is excited to announce that our Director, Jessie Hill, will participate in UCLA Law CRHLP's upcoming virtual panel event, Realizing the Promise of State Reproductive Freedom Amendments. The webinar will be hosted on Monday, November 3rd at 11:30 am PT (2:30 pm ET).
Mainstream scientists emphasize there's no proven causal link between the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and autism, warning that overstating such claims may mislead pregnant people and erode public trust.
bwhi.org/2025/09/26/w...
bwhi.org/2025/09/26/w...
When Trusted Sources Spread Misinformation: What the MAHA Autism Claims Teach Us - Black Women's Health Imperative
Since 1983, our national organization dedicated to health of our nation’s 21 million Black women and girls – physically, emotionally and financially.
bwhi.org
October 21, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Mainstream scientists emphasize there's no proven causal link between the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and autism, warning that overstating such claims may mislead pregnant people and erode public trust.
bwhi.org/2025/09/26/w...
bwhi.org/2025/09/26/w...
RRLI had a great time tabling at PERIOD Fair 2025 this weekend! Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more about reproductive rights and advocacy in Ohio. Special thanks to PERIOD@CWRU for organizing the event, RRLI Director Jessie Hill for speaking, and all of the volunteers!
October 17, 2025 at 4:18 PM
RRLI had a great time tabling at PERIOD Fair 2025 this weekend! Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more about reproductive rights and advocacy in Ohio. Special thanks to PERIOD@CWRU for organizing the event, RRLI Director Jessie Hill for speaking, and all of the volunteers!
Jacobs has shared her own expensive egg-freezing experience, and calls current options for military families such as paying out of pocket or leaving the military unacceptable and advocates for more affordable family planning options.
www.axios.com/local/san-di...
www.axios.com/local/san-di...
Rep. Sara Jacobs pushes to make fertility treatment accessible for military families
She paid thousands to freeze her eggs, and is working to get IVF procedures covered for troops.
www.axios.com
October 13, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Jacobs has shared her own expensive egg-freezing experience, and calls current options for military families such as paying out of pocket or leaving the military unacceptable and advocates for more affordable family planning options.
www.axios.com/local/san-di...
www.axios.com/local/san-di...
In a recent report, the McKinsey Institute for Economic Mobility examines strategies to close the Black maternal-health gap in the U.S., a five-pillar strategy that would tackle racial inequities in healthcare and potentially save an estimated 3,100 maternal lives.
www.mckinsey.com/institute-fo...
www.mckinsey.com/institute-fo...
www.mckinsey.com
October 8, 2025 at 6:45 PM
In a recent report, the McKinsey Institute for Economic Mobility examines strategies to close the Black maternal-health gap in the U.S., a five-pillar strategy that would tackle racial inequities in healthcare and potentially save an estimated 3,100 maternal lives.
www.mckinsey.com/institute-fo...
www.mckinsey.com/institute-fo...
A new report from UCLA Law’s Center on Reproductive Health, Law, and Policy reveals that while state amendments have created strong legal tools to challenge existing abortion restrictions, the fight to preserve access to abortion care isn't over.
statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
The Power of State Reproductive Freedom Amendments
A new report analyzes the language and effects of recently adopted amendments protecting reproductive rights and highlights their potential for abortion access and beyond.
statecourtreport.org
October 7, 2025 at 4:13 PM
A new report from UCLA Law’s Center on Reproductive Health, Law, and Policy reveals that while state amendments have created strong legal tools to challenge existing abortion restrictions, the fight to preserve access to abortion care isn't over.
statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...
Today on Ideastream, RRLI Staff Attorney Becca Kendis participated in a panel discussing reproductive rights in Ohio as well as ongoing efforts by Republican state legislators to propose new laws aimed at restricting or potentially eliminating abortion access.
www.ideastream.org/show/sound-o...
www.ideastream.org/show/sound-o...
Ohio lawmakers introduce anti-abortion bills, despite recent amendment protecting it
In 2023, Ohioans voted to guarantee reproductive health care access in the state. Since then, lawmakers in the Statehouse continue to propose laws that advocates say are in conflict with what voters d...
www.ideastream.org
October 6, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Today on Ideastream, RRLI Staff Attorney Becca Kendis participated in a panel discussing reproductive rights in Ohio as well as ongoing efforts by Republican state legislators to propose new laws aimed at restricting or potentially eliminating abortion access.
www.ideastream.org/show/sound-o...
www.ideastream.org/show/sound-o...
Climate change threatens all three pillars of reproductive justice: the right to have children, the right to not have children, and the right to raise children in a safe, healthy environment. These challenges disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
tcf.org/content/comm...
tcf.org/content/comm...
The Climate Crisis Is Also a Reproductive Justice Crisis
In the past several years, we have seen the frequency and intensity of extreme climate events increase. Most recently, the devastating flash floods in
tcf.org
October 2, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Climate change threatens all three pillars of reproductive justice: the right to have children, the right to not have children, and the right to raise children in a safe, healthy environment. These challenges disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
tcf.org/content/comm...
tcf.org/content/comm...
The research confirms that abortion bans don’t stop abortion; they just make it harder, riskier, and less equitable.
Abortion Bans Do Not End Abortion, but Rather Delay and Complicate Necessary Health Care | AJPH | Vol. 115 Issue 10
American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) from the American Public Health Association (APHA)
ajph.aphapublications.org
September 29, 2025 at 3:44 PM
The research confirms that abortion bans don’t stop abortion; they just make it harder, riskier, and less equitable.