Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, most Republican-controlled states have implemented new abortion restrictions, with 14 states banning it at every stage of pregnancy. However, voters in 7 states have sided with abortion rights supporters on ballot measures. It remains uncertain how many states will vote in November on measures to preserve abortion access. Efforts to put abortion rights questions to voters have been seen in South Dakota and Missouri, with petitions being submitted to amend state constitutions to include the right to abortion under certain circumstances.
Some of the efforts to preserve abortion access have already failed to reach ballots due to various reasons, such as legislative sessions ending without votes or insufficient support. However, states like Florida and Maryland have ballot measures secure for the 2024 election. Florida’s Supreme Court ruled to allow a measure to legalize abortion until viability, while Maryland already protects the right to abortion under state law. New York also has a measure on the ballot to prevent discrimination based on pregnancy, pregnancy outcome, and reproductive healthcare, although it does not explicitly mention abortion.
In states like Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, and South Dakota, advocates are working to gather signatures and put forward ballot measures to protect abortion rights. These efforts range from adding constitutional protections for abortion access, to allowing abortions in cases of rape, incest, or to protect the life or health of the woman. Some states, like Colorado, have seen opposing measures on the ballot, with one aiming to ban abortion and the other seeking to ensure access to it at all stages of pregnancy.
Overall, the landscape of abortion rights and restrictions in the U.S. continues to evolve post-Roe v. Wade, with battles being fought at the state level through legislative actions and ballot initiatives. It’s apparent that both sides of the abortion debate are actively engaged in shaping the future of reproductive rights across the country, setting the stage for further debate and action in the years to come.
