Skip to content
Stories

How the United States’ Abortion Restrictions Compare to its International Peers

By: Victoria Pickering June 23rd was a decision day at the Court, as demonstrators anticipated the decision on Dobbs, the case that may overturn Roe v. Wade. The decisions on five cases were announced, but Dobbs was still not announced.

University Distinguished Professor of Law and WGSS faculty member Martha Davis recently discussed how the overturn of Roe v. Wade has marked the United States as one of only “24 countries” that prohibit abortion. While some are worried that the U.S.’s quick shift will affect reproductive rights worldwide, Davis argues this is not likely.

Rather than triggering a new wave of restrictive abortion laws in other countries, the Dobbs decision seems just as likely to wield little international influence. Two key reasons are the broad global momentum toward greater abortion access and the United States’ waning international influence in the area of women’s rights.

In fact, the Dobbs decision may serve to further isolate the U.S. and undermine its credibility as a global leader on women’s rights.

Martha Davis, The Conversation

Learn more about this issue and abortion trends in other countries here.

(Photo by: Victoria Pickering, Image was cropped)

More Stories

“Why full employment is like filling a bathtub with water” featuring Dr. Alicia Sasser Modestino

10.14.2026

Racing and gendering the nation: Bad Bunny, the American Right and the 2026 Super Bowl controversy by Dr. Amílcar Antonio Barreto

10.13.2026

“A New York City Comic Book Offers Tips on Rights and ICE Encounters” featuring Dr. Hillary Chute

10.14.26
All Stories