FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 9, 2022
Contact: Carolina Espinoza | media@iwpr.org | 202.683.6828
Election results prove Reproductive Rights and Economy are salient issues for women voters
Washington, DC – In states across the country, election results show the economy and access to the full range of reproductive health care services, including abortion, was top of mind for women and voters as they headed to the polls on election day.
The most recent Supreme Court Ruling, overturning Roe v. Wade, seemed to be a motivating factor for women voters, with five states—Kentucky, Vermont, Michigan, Montana, and California—seeking to either enshrine or limit the right to access abortion for women.
Kentucky and Montana voters rejected efforts to further restrict access to abortion care. While California, Vermont and California voters overwhelmingly approved constitutional amendments to affirm the right to the full range of reproductive healthcare services in their states for women.
On the economy, voters named inflation and rising prices as the number 1 issue going into the election. For women, the economy and rising prices have a greater impact on them because of the gender pay gap and their responsibility for most consumer purchases in families.
“The election results prove reproductive rights is not a red or blue state issue. Women and voters across the country overwhelmingly rejected attempts to further strip away women’s access to the full range of reproductive health care services, including abortion,” said C. Nicole Mason, President/CEO, Institute for Women’s Policy Research. “In the wake of the Dobbs decision, and into the 2024 Presidential Election, reproductive rights and freedom will remain a top priority for women and voters.”
“While unemployment levels have declined significantly over the last two years and wages are slightly higher across sectors, there is still much work to do to build an economy that works for everyone. There is still a great need for higher wages that keep up with inflation, paid sick and family medical leave, and affordable childcare and housing.”
IWPR is committed to working with newly elected officials in both the Senate and the House of Representatives to ensure that no family or worker is left behind.
