Urgent Policy Recommendations to Protect Reproductive Health Access & Mitigate Harm from Federal Budget Cuts

The passage of the Republican Budget reflects a catastrophic shift in national priorities—trading the health and safety of millions for tax breaks for billionaires and fiscal policies that further deepen inequality and erode public trust. Congressional Republicans voted to blow a $3 trillion hole in the nation’s deficit—stripping health care coverage from millions of people and manufacturing a crisis that requires swift and courageous leadership.

In the face of this federal retrenchment, state governments now hold the responsibility—and opportunity—to act decisively. When Roe v. Wade fell, states stepped forward. They passed shield laws, allocated hundreds of millions to abortion access, and enacted policies grounded in equity and care. That same urgency is required now.

This memo outlines key steps states must take to:

• Safeguard reproductive health coverage and services; 

• Protect patients, providers, and helpers; 

• Streamline benefit delivery and reduce costs; and 

• Raise revenue to ensure health care programs remain solvent and accessible.