Please see the fourth article of the Spring 2026 issue!

Health services available to women and critical to the practice of women’s health are historically linked to state funding within the United States. This relationship has been underscored by the overturn of Roe v. Wade. Private women’s health clinics rely on donations and state based funding. Additionally, organizations such as Planned Parenthood which receive federal money are dependent on state dictated allocation of those funds. This leads to vast differences in the availability and outcomes of women’s healthcare by state, which also disproportionately affects women of lower socioeconomic status. This research aims to explore the significance and impact of state funding as it relates to the state total available budget for women’s health services. Although each state has their own unique clinics and state-based rules, regulations, and funding sources, grouping into rough tiers of high, medium, and low funding allows for a more holistic analysis while helping minimize geographic biases. Cancer screenings (breast and cervical), STI testing and treatment, contraception availability and use, as well as prenatal care and abortion access are the key aspects of women’s health that will be examined. The aim is to highlight the vital correlation between available funding and the quantitative impact on women’s health. Disparities have been further widened as a result of funding differences, such as delay of cancer diagnoses, the public health risk of inadequate STI treatment, and the tragic increase in both maternal and fetal death following a lack of proper prenatal care. It is also necessary to acknowledge that all individuals in need of women’s health services, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, are part of the relevant patient population of this study. Women have a right to knowledge about available health services. It is imperative to know how the state in which one lives affects health care options and thus the health of women and their families.