Equal Rights Amendment viewed as tool for abortion and gender equality

Following the Dobbs v. Jackson decision, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is being viewed as a critical legal tool for defending abortion access and broader gender equality. While the federal amendment remains a central goal for activists, state-level ERAs are increasingly utilized to protect pregnancy justice and equal rights under the law.

Legal experts suggest that the ERA could extend protections far beyond reproductive rights, potentially transforming how the law addresses pregnancy, maternal health, and family life. Advocates argue that a robust ERA could be used to combat discrimination against pregnant women—such as denying prenatal care based on marital status—and could compel states to address high maternal mortality rates, which are currently among the highest in high-income nations.