The next time you decide you’re ready to move, don’t narrow your search to just the most dog-friendly, #bosslady-approved, or happiest cities in the country. Thanks to a new report, you can now plan your next adventure based on which spots best prioritize your reproductive rights and health.
Whether or not you’ve ever considered moving somewhere based on its reproductive-health rights and justice policies, it’s clear that some spots are superior to others: The National Institute of Reproductive Health (NIRH) evaluated 40 of the most populous cities across America to name the best of the best.
The NIRH tracked 27 policy indicators from six different categories: protecting abortion clinic access, providing funding and coverage for reproductive health care, supporting young people’s access to reproductive health care, supporting families’ ability to be financially stable and lead healthy lives, advancing inclusive policies, and taking a stand on reproductive health-care issues at play at the local, state, or federal level. Based on the findings, they assigned cities a rating between 0 and 5 stars.
No city prevailed with a perfect score, but a few were close: New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco ranked the highest at 4.5 stars, with San Fran holding the most policy solutions in place. As for the lowest state on the totem pole of reproductive rights, Jacksonville, Florida came in last with a single star.
So, even if you aren’t planning to move the location of your healthy home anytime soon, keep in mind the information below—which outlines the reproductive ranking of the states included in the report—for yourself and your loved ones.
4.5 Stars
Los Angeles, CANew York City, NYSan Francisco, CA
4 Stars
Chicago, ILPhiladelphia, PA
3.5 Stars
Seattle, WAWashington, DC
3 Stars
Austin, TXBoston, MAMinneapolis, MNPortland, ORSan Diego, CA
2.5 Stars
Baltimore, MDColumbus, OHDenver, COFort Worth, TXIndianapolis, INSan José, CASt. Paul, MN
2 Stars
Dallas, TXHouston, TXMiami, FLMilwaukee, WINew Orleans, LASan Antonio, TXSt. Louis, MO
1.5 Stars
Atlanta, GACharlotte, NCCleveland, OHDetroit, MIEl Paso, TXHartford, CTLas Vegas, NVLouisville, KYMemphis, TNNashville, TNOklahoma City, OKPhoenix, AZRichmond, VA
1 Star
Jacksonville, FL
This filmmaker thinks being open about abortion is the most powerful statement a woman can make. And this is how last year’s election is affecting your birth control.
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