Rachel Wells

Rachel Wells is a writer and journalist based in Nashville, TN. She covers abortion rights, reproductive health, sexual violence, and trauma. Her work has appeared in ACLU Magazine, InStyle, and Glamour, among others. Follow Rachel on Instagram and Twitter.

All Work

Culture & Conversation Abortion

I Had Two Abortions. They’ve Undoubtedly Made Me a Better Mother.

Feb 17, 9:10am

After giving birth to death twice, I became untethered. My two abortions were an act of love, and I was triumphant.

[Photo: An illustration of a world map on wrinkled paper. The map has markers placed over 18 countries.]

News Abortion

The United States Is the Epicenter of the Anti-Choice Clinic Crisis

Feb 18, 9:48am Rachel Wells

With Heartbeat International’s uncovered manipulations, the organization is paving the way for the marketing of deceit, threatening access to abortion care around the world.

[Photo: Senator Baxley speaks during an interview.]

News Abortion

In Florida, Abortion Debate ‘Like Seeing Public Policy Meets the Twilight Zone’ (Updated)

Dec 12, 2:51pm Rachel Wells

A Florida Republican backing forced parental consent legislation has referenced the white supremacist "replacement theory" in advocating for restrictive abortion laws.

[Photo: A sad teen listens to her doctor during an appointment.]

News Abortion

Florida GOP’s Anti-Choice Legislation Hindered, But Not Stopped

Nov 19, 10:22am Rachel Wells

The state's forced parental consent bill has been referred to as a “stalking horse” meant to overhaul Florida’s constitutional right to privacy, which protects access to abortion.

[Photo: A large crowd of pro-choice advocates protest abortion bans.]

News Abortion

These Bills Would Further Undermine Abortion Rights in the South

Oct 17, 12:25pm Rachel Wells

Florida Republicans are going after abortion rights as clinics in north Florida have seen an influx of pregnant people coming from nearby states where lawmakers have made abortion care inaccessible.

News Abortion

Clinics Challenge Tennessee’s ‘Demeaning’ Forced Waiting Period Law

Sep 25, 1:17pm Rachel Wells

While research shows people are certain of their decision to have an abortion, 27 states require abortion care patients to wait before obtaining one.

[Photo: A committee of state senators listen to testimonies.]

News Abortion

A Near-Total Abortion Ban Isn’t Enough for Some Tennessee Republicans (Updated)

Aug 14, 12:47pm Rachel Wells

Anti-choice lawmakers are considering a bill to redefine fetal viability and end legal abortion in Tennessee.

[Photo: House of Representatives Chamber in the Tennessee State Capitol building.]

News Abortion

Tennessee Republicans Aren’t Done Trying to End Most Legal Abortion

Jul 22, 1:56pm Rachel Wells

An August hearing could reveal what's next in the Tennessee GOP's attempt to pass a six-week abortion ban that stalled this year in the state senate.

[Photo: A menacing arm bearing the phrases

News Abortion

Abortion Rights Foes Have Weaponized Zoning Regulations. Here’s How. (Updated)

Apr 18, 11:58am Rachel Wells

Using zoning rules to hinder access to abortion services has picked up momentum as an anti-choice strategy on the local level. Reproductive rights advocates have a plan to fight back.