Search & Filter

Middlebury economist Caitlin Myers links the 22% decline in U.S. birth rates since 2007 to smartphone use, citing reduced in-person interactions and sexual frequency. Myers, a Vermont professor, highlights that the Dobbs decision has increased births among disadvantaged groups nationally, while Vermont has paradoxically expanded abortion access through telehealth and medication by mail.

Vermont is one of nine states that do not restrict abortion and passed an abortion shield law in 2023 to protect providers and patients. Journalist Amy Littlefield highlights that despite Roe v. Wade being overturned, community networks distributing medication abortion are growing, and Vermont's legal protections may face challenges in the U.S. Supreme Court.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has launched an investigation into Vermont's law requiring health insurance companies to cover abortions, giving the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation 20 days to respond. Vermont officials, including Attorney General Charity Clark, have affirmed their support for the state's abortion coverage mandate and constitutional right to abortion access amid the federal inquiry.