The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunities and the Center Reproductive Rights have formed a coalition of nearly 60 women's health organizations calling on U.S. state lawmakers to promote policies to support women's health and reproductive rights.

Women's reproductive health rights have been under attack over the past five years from attempts by lawmakers to curb access to contraception, failure to address the maternal mortality crisis and threats to reproductive care. These efforts were achieved through the result of the 2010 election when anti-abortion forces took control of many state legislatures and governors' mansions which gave them great power to pass restrictive laws.

The other front appeared around the passing of the Affordable Care Act in March 2010 when the national debate arose over whether government funds may be used for abortion coverage and attacks on insurance coverage on the state level. According to the Guttmacher Institute, in 2011-2013, legislatures in 30 states enacted 205 new laws restricting abortion -- more than the total number enacted in an entire previous decade. 

The coalition of women's health groups decided they should promote women's health and created policy recommendations in the form of a working paper: "Moving in A New Direction: A Proactive State Policy Resource for Promoting Reproductive Health, Rights and Justice."

The report -- produced by the Center for Reproductive Rights and Ibis Reproductive Health -- evaluated real, evidence-based policies that advance the well-being of women and families, finding many of the same states that have passed abortion restrictions under the guise of protecting women are severely lacking in policies that address the challenges women and their families face every day.

"The time is now to be bold, visionary, and proactive in our demands for health, dignity and justice. To regain what we've lost, we must connect with our communities and galvanize people across the country to fight for our shared vision for reproductive justice," said Kimberly Inez McGuire, director of public affairs for National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, in a statement.

"It's not enough to say which policies we oppose -- we need to show people exactly the kind of world we're fighting for. We are proud to work with our local, state and national partners to make this vision a reality, and we are confident that proactive efforts are key to turning the tide for Latinas and all women and families."

Each section of the resource includes expert-endorsed policies that have been introduced in at least one state, along with in-depth case studies in areas such as expanding abortion access, implementing the Affordable Care Act, empowering young people to make informed sexual and reproductive health decision, expanding contraception access and supporting pregnant women's rights.

"When our elected officials return to work next year, they should focus on advancing measures that truly support women's health-and reversing the tide of laws that have trampled on women's rights and blocked their access to health care," said Nancy Northup, president and CEO of Center for Reproductive Rights. "After years of relentless attacks on reproductive health care, millions of women across the nation are now left with rapidly disappearing safe and legal options.

"This new resource provides forward-thinking and innovative policies for state officials who want to put the lives and well-being of their constituents first. It's time we move forward with a clear agenda to advance reproductive health, rights, and justice."