Methodology

Overview  

TRACE: Tracking state policy for Reproductive Access, Care & Equity is a searchable, centralized database of reproductive freedom policies across Alliance states. It includes nearly 600 policies and provides an easy way to explore, compare, and track reproductive health policy actions across Reproductive Freedom Alliance states and territories. TRACE is intended to serve as a resource for members, partners, advocates, researchers, and stakeholders working to advance reproductive freedom by making it easier to identify policy innovations, track state-level progress developments, and highlight successful approaches to protecting access to care. 

Content and Scope  

The database includes policies in RFA member states that are intended to protect and expand access to abortion, contraception and fertility care. Across those three topics, users can filter through a variety of different policies that have been adopted, including enacted legislation, executive orders, rules, regulations, Medicaid state plan amendments, 1115 waivers, and  in some cases, guidance issued by state agencies that is legally non-binding.  

RFA’s database is not exhaustive and should be considered alongside other relevant policy and legal resources. The database does not include information about court cases that may have enjoined or struck down or otherwise invalidated any of the policies in the database. The database does not include proposed bills, rules or regulations that did have not been adopted. It also does not include restrictive policies that may potentially harm or restrict access to reproductive rights or health care. 

Maintenance and Updates 

RFA monitors state policy developments in member states and will periodically update the database to include new laws that are enacted relating to abortion, contraception and fertility that have the potential to protect and expand reproductive freedom. 

If you have a suggestion regarding policies to include in the database, please contact us at: [email protected]

Disclaimer 

The materials prepared for this website are not legal advice. RFA encourages users to review other sources and consult an attorney if legal advice is needed.