Abortion, Health Workforce Top 2025 State Legislative Priorities
State lawmakers are setting their 2025 legislative priorities on reproductive health reforms and addressing health workforce shortages in response to changes following the 2022 Supreme Court decision on abortion.
Published on April 8, 2025
State lawmakers are gearing up for the 2025 legislative session with a dual focus on reproductive health and health workforce issues. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision that overturned the constitutional right to abortion, legislators are proposing measures to both protect and restrict access to abortion medications and contraception. Recent proposals include efforts to safeguard medication abortion distribution and expand support for providers, as seen in initiatives from states like Connecticut and North Carolina.
In addition to reproductive care, addressing health workforce shortages has emerged as a critical priority. Reports from December 2024 to April 2025 highlight legislative efforts ranging from enhanced Medicaid coverage for abortion services to improved licensure portability and financial incentives for health professionals. These multifaceted discussions underscore the broader impact of federal judicial decisions and economic pressures on state health policies as lawmakers navigate complex budgetary and regulatory challenges.