A Region Divided

With abortion access no longer available to millions of American women, several Postindustrial States have vowed to become safe havens for those seeking care. 

Illinois has already positioned itself as a midwestern hub for women seeking abortions; New York State is also positioning itself as a refuge. 

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has vowed to keep abotion legal in the Keystone State. However GOP gubernatorial hopeful Doug Mastriano has vowed to outlaw abortion if elected. 

So far, at least nine states have effectively banned abortions with few or no exceptions to protect the health and well being of women. 

Among those banning abortion, three — Alabama, Kentucky, and Wisconsin — are Postindustrial States. 

In Ohio, a six-week abortion ban has gone into effect. Further restrictions are being debated by the state’s GOP-dominated legislature. 

Meanwhile, Democratic leaders in Wisconsin are calling for Congress to codify federal abortion rights into law. And in Michigan, the future of abortion access remain uncertain as a 1931 trigger law outlawing abortion could go into effect. 

The decision by the Supreme Court’s conservative majority sparked widespread protests in Postindustrial America over the weekend, with demonstrators descending on state capitals in Kentucky, Ohio, and elsewhere. 

What’s your take on the shift when it comes to abortion?

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