Following last week’s midterm elections, women’s maternal health advocates are energized and looking forward to making changes to reproductive health legislation on the state and federal levels.

Texas Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa, who is pro-choice, cannot legally repeal Texas’ restrictive abortion ban but can limit how the law is applied.

Daria Neal, senior director of policy and advocacy at the Center for Reproductive Rights, said they have an opportunity to ensure everyone has a chance to make reproductive decisions for themselves.

"The states are laboratories for innovation. With more reproductive rights-friendly people in power, there's an opportunity to try new things and see new ideas develop. Where there's something that's working well, the center is well-positioned to help translate those ideas to other states," Neal explained.

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When the new Congress is sworn in next year, it will be the most pro-reproductive freedom Congress in the nation’s history.

Texas Attorney General-elect Nathan Johnson said he will not continue the practice of outgoing Attorney General Ken Paxton, who filed lawsuits against doctors who mailed abortion pills into the state. Texas’ abortion ban makes it illegal for physicians to send abortion medications to patients, but many doctors have gotten around the ban because of shield laws in their states.

Nimra Chowdhry, senior state legislative council for the center, said research shows voters believe abortion is an affordability issue.

"The findings demonstrate that the consequences of abortion bans extend far beyond whether or not someone can access care. The data shows that women in ban states are more likely to pay out of pocket for health insurance premiums. The impact of these costs on Black and Hispanic women is even more pronounced," Chowdhry pointed out.

Chowdhry reported 53% of voters surveyed considered a candidate’s stance on abortion before casting their ballot.