Unfulfilled Promises: The Lack of Post-Roe Action in America

In the aftermath of the Supreme Court's landmark decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, a wave of promises and legislative efforts emerged, vowing to support mothers and children in a post-Roe America. However, a CNN review reveals that these pledges have largely fallen short, with little substantive action taken to address the real-world consequences of abortion restrictions.

Rhetoric Outpacing Reality

Broken Promises and Stalled Legislation

In the wake of the Dobbs decision, a Republican congressman from Louisiana introduced a bill to ensure child support payments for "unborn children." However, the bill, known as the "Unborn Child Support Act," has languished, with the congressman, now the Speaker of the House, failing to push it forward. This lack of action is not unique, as CNN's review of dozens of similar pledges and bills found little progress in either Washington or state capitals where abortion bans have been implemented.

Prioritizing Restrictions Over Support

While many states have swiftly enacted legislation to restrict or ban abortion, the same level of urgency has not been applied to measures that would support mothers and children. Few new laws address critical issues such as childcare, maternal healthcare, or economic assistance for families. Even as independent research indicates rising birth rates, maternal and infant mortality, and economic insecurity in states with the most restrictive abortion laws, lawmakers have been slow to respond with substantive policy solutions.

Unlikely Alliances Emerge

This disconnect has led to an unlikely alliance of activists, advocates, and economists across the political spectrum, who are calling for more comprehensive support for mothers and children in a post-Roe America. These groups argue that anti-abortion politicians have not followed through on their promises to prioritize and protect life beyond the issue of abortion itself.

Ballot Initiatives and the Limits of Abortion Debates

Since the Dobbs decision, several states have seen ballot initiatives on the topic of abortion, with the pro-choice position winning in each case. However, these measures only address the issue of abortion, leaving the broader question of post-Roe support unresolved.

Calls for a "Culture of Life"

Some politicians, such as the Republican governor of Mississippi, have spoken of the need to foster a "culture of life" in the aftermath of Dobbs. However, the actions taken in these states have been limited, with only a handful of measures addressing issues like foster care, adoption tax credits, and maternal mental health programs.

Missed Opportunities and Unfulfilled Promises

In states like Missouri and Iowa, where lawmakers have made bold promises to support mothers and children, efforts to enact meaningful legislation have stalled or been overshadowed by measures that further restrict abortion access. This has led to accusations that some politicians are more interested in the rhetoric of being "pro-life" than in the practical realities of supporting families.

Inaction in Washington

At the federal level, the actions of members of Congress have also failed to match their post-Dobbs statements. Lawmakers who pledged to work on issues like contraceptive access, maternal care, and adoption services have either voted against relevant legislation or failed to advance their own proposals.

The Disconnect Between Rhetoric and Reality

Across the country, the disconnect between the rhetoric of supporting mothers and children and the actual policy actions taken in the wake of Dobbs has left many advocates and experts frustrated. They argue that the lack of substantive, comprehensive support undermines the claims of being "pro-life" and demonstrates a failure to truly prioritize the well-being of families.