Dobbs, American Federalism, and State Abortion Policymaking: Restrictive Policies Alongside Expansion of Reproductive Rights.

The article focuses on the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court's June 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and returned abortion policymaking authority to individual states. It analyzes state-level responses post-Dobbs, highlighting a bifurcation where some states have enacted stricter abortion restrictions—including total bans and "heartbeat" laws—while others have moved to protect or expand reproductive rights through constitutional amendments, court rulings, and supportive legislation. The article also discusses the role of state constitutions and courts in shaping abortion access, the influence of political and demographic factors on state policies, and the emerging complexities of federalism, including interstate conflicts and electoral dynamics. A new state ranking system is presented, categorizing states from most to least restrictive based on gestational limits, exceptions, and constitutional protections, illustrating the diverse and evolving landscape of reproductive rights in the post-Dobbs era.