After a long process, constitutional amendments protecting or expanding abortion rights are set to appear on the ballot this fall in 10 states, including swing states like Arizona and Nevada, blue-leaning states like Maryland and red-leaning states like South Dakota. These measures aim to enshrine abortion access in the state’s constitution since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.
In Arizona, the proposed amendment would create a fundamental right to abortion up until fetal viability. In Colorado, the amendment would declare the right to abortion and prohibit the government from denying or impeding that right. In Florida, the amendment would bar restrictions on abortion before viability and include exceptions for the patient’s health. In Maryland, lawmakers voted to place a measure on the ballot guaranteeing the right to make decisions about one’s pregnancy.
Missouri’s proposed amendment would protect abortion rights up until viability with exceptions for the life and health of the mother. Montana’s ballot measure would secure the right to abortion and prohibit the government from denying access. In Nebraska, two dueling amendments would either protect abortion rights or restrict them in the second and third trimesters. In Nevada, a constitutional amendment would protect abortion rights up until viability. In New York, an Equal Protection of Law Amendment aims to protect against government interference in pregnancy and reproductive healthcare.
Ultimately, these ballot measures seek to solidify existing abortion rights in the state constitutions to prevent lawmakers from undoing them in the future. Each amendment will require a different level of voter support to pass depending on the state.
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