State Actions on Reproductive Health Issues in 1996

Abstract

States took steps in 1996 to increase their level of control over health care, welfare reform, education, and the environment. While many of the initiatives resulted from the federal government's delegation of more power and responsibilities to the states, sometimes states independently asserted their authority over policy issues in which they had a particular interest. Reproductive health policy and the provision of services attracted state legislator and official concern. There was a particularly high level of legislative activity on the issues of abortion services and postpartum hospital stays. While the majority of the hundreds of reproductive health-related legislative initiatives launched in 1996 were neither implemented nor considered by the end of the year, they have clearly spawned a heightened awareness of fertility-related matters and their impact upon women's reproductive lives. State actions on abortion, family planning, maternal and child health, and sex education are discussed.