Are reproductive rights worse in 2025? We’re breaking down post-Roe v. Wade America

[Insert “The Handmaid’s Tale is real joke” I wish I didn’t have to keep making!!]

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Jun 26, 2025

Heat waves been fakin’ me out

Yesterday, I got drenched in sweat going to get my morning iced coffee, which kinda defeated the purpose. Then again, what were my other options?? Make it at home?? But today, at least, there was some reprieve. Between the extreme heat, the New York City mayoral primary, and the potential for war, this week has been way too exciting. Fortunately, it looks like things have calmed down a bit (a phrase I’m sure I’ll come to regret), which means that today, we can catch up on a few of the more long-term disasters. In this case, I’m talking about the GOP’s attempts to curtail reproductive freedoms and Medicaid. In today’s newsletter: the third anniversary of the Dobbs decision, the debate over the One Big Beautiful Bill, the hot hot hot weather, Donald Trump’s Iran cope, Usha Vance’s secret life, Taylor Swift’s surprise appearance, and more.

A third birthday party to forget

Tuesday marked the third anniversary of the Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade. I don’t even celebrate my own birthday, so I definitely wasn’t going to celebrate that one. But we should take stock of what’s happened since, and what might be in the next episode of the reality TV version of The Handmaid’s Tale.

As of January, twelve states had total abortion bans, and another six banned it after twelve weeks.
It’s difficult to know exactly how deadly the bans have been, but one study estimated the bans have led to an additional 478 infant deaths. There are many reasons for this, including: talented OBGYNs are leaving states with strict bans, hospitals are defunding their labor and delivery wards because of legal concerns, and women are being forced to carry babies with a very low chance of surviving.
We also don’t know exactly how many women have died as a result of the ban, but ProPublica identified two in Georgia alone.
And perhaps strangest of all: abortions are still on the rise? As I always say, it’s really none of my business how many abortions people get, but these disastrous policies aren’t even achieving the GOP’s ostensible goals…so can we have our rights back?

It’s not all doom and gloom, though: many states still protect reproductive freedoms, including seven that approved protections in November’s elections. But we shouldn’t pretend we’ve reached any type of post-Roe equilibrium in which abortion is protected in blue states and restricted in red states; there’s still plenty to fight for. For example, the GOP is trying to defund Planned Parenthood in their One Big Beautiful Bill. But I’m not done shitting on this bill today, so keep reading. Read more.

The GOP learns their base is on Medicaid

Speaking of, that big ole’ beautiful bill, which if passed, would likely be Trump 2.0’s signature piece of legislation – is up for debate in the Senate right now. Quick recap: along with cutting Planned Parenthood, this is the bill that cuts Medicaid to give tax breaks to rich people and corporations. It has passed the House, but the Medicaid piece is holding things up in the Senate. Here’s the latest on which Senators are stalling the legislation:

Senator Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), who’s voiced big “concerns” about the Medicaid cuts, has backed away from most of his complaints. However, he’s still opposed to a few of the changes, specifically, those that would harm rural hospitals, and may make a stink about them.
Thom Tillis, the North Carolina GOP Senator who spells his name wrong, said behind closed doors that he might not be able to vote for the bill because of the Medicaid cuts. Hilariously (or perhaps sadly), one of Thillis’ pitches for not cutting Medicaid was reminding everyone that Trump supporters rely on it, too. Um, 20% of Americans are on Medicaid, so yes…
Human Turtle Mitch McConnell took a different tack: he voiced support for the bill, and said that those concerned about Medicaid cuts will “get over it.”
Speaker Mike Johnson has warned in private that if the Medicaid cuts are too steep, the GOP may lose control of the House in 2026. And then he’s no longer Speaker, and we can all forget he exists. Seriously, the most forgettable man. This is also ridiculous because the House has already passed a bill with Medicaid cuts…
But despite the drama, Trump is holding an event this afternoon to promote the bill. Okay, but was Rand Paul invited? Read more.

“Florida is building a migrant detention center surrounded by alligators, which could potentially deter prisoners from escaping. Okay, as long as the gators get paid – the governor, Ron DeSantis, does, so I think all the other reptiles employed by the state should, too.”

The weather is simply unacceptable

If you haven’t noticed, it’s just so…stinkin’...hot. I can’t pretend I got the worst of it, though; Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer was literally hospitalized for dehydration yesterday! He’s back at work now, though, but damn Chuck, get some Gatorade!! Or Logan Paul’s thing if you’re a manosphere kind of guy! Chuck’s not the only one who suffered: yesterday, some 125 million people were still under heat advisories. And while today’s been a bit cooler, we should expect this type of thing more often because of – you guessed it – climate change. Studies have found that the temperatures we saw on Tuesday in the Mid-Atlantic region – at least 105 degrees in Baltimore, for example – are at least five times more likely due to fossil fuels. So messed up. The temperature isn’t my body count; it should never be in the triple digits.

The heat is more than just uncomfortable; it’s also a massive strain on our infrastructure. In South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Iowa, roads began to cave in as the asphalt melted (which honestly sounds like something that would happen at the start of an apocalyptic sci-fi movie). Amtrak had to put speed restrictions in place because the heat can cause the rail tracks to warp. In Massachusetts, some swing bridges became inoperable because of the extreme heat. In NYC and Chicago, numerous hospitals struggled to maintain their power and AC because of the temperature. And according to the National Weather Service, heat waves are the deadliest type of extreme weather; sadly, at least one death has already been reported during this one. Even as temperatures drop slightly in the next few days, there’s still a risk, so please be cautious out there! Read more.

ON OUR RADAR

Trump has said the US is meeting with Iran next week. Hopefully, we are all still alive then. The House and Senate are scheduled to receive briefings on the situation today and tomorrow. This comes as Trump and his officials continue to insist that Iran’s nuclear facilities were totally destroyed by the bombing over the weekend, which reports suggest isn’t remotely true.
And Trump’s administration is suing 15 federal judges in Maryland who are trying to block unlawful deportations. The more things change…
If you’re in the market for an interesting longer read, this profile of Usha Vance was pretty fascinating. My favorite part was the sociologist who described her as “kind of an icon of the upsides of married motherhood.” In my opinion, Usha Vance presents a worst-case scenario for what can happen when you get married.
Taylor Swift showed up at Tight End University in Nashville to support her boyfriend with a surprise appearance. Ugh, just get engaged already!!
Bumble is laying off 30% of its team.

Congrats @camkasky! Thank you for your service.

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