Constitutional amendments to protect or expand abortion rights will be on the general election ballot in 10 states this fall – swing states Arizona and Nevada, blue-leaning states Colorado, Maryland, and New York, and red-leaning states Florida, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, and South Dakota. These amendments aim to enshrine abortion rights in state constitutions following the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court.
In Arizona, the proposed amendment would establish a “fundamental right” to abortion until fetal viability, potentially undoing the state’s 15-week ban. In Colorado, the amendment would declare the right to abortion and prohibit government interference, including insurance coverage bans. Florida’s amendment would bar restrictions before viability and include exceptions for the patient’s health. Maryland’s amendment would protect the right to make decisions about pregnancy.
Missouri’s proposed amendment would protect abortion rights until viability, with exceptions for the life and health of the mother. Montana’s amendment would protect the right to abortion and access to care. In Nebraska, two amendments would protect or restrict abortion rights. In Nevada, the proposed amendment would enshrine existing abortion rights in the state constitution.
New York legislator-controlled amendment would protect against government interference with pregnancy and reproductive health care. South Dakota’s amendment would legalize abortion in the first trimester and allow state regulation in later trimesters. If passed, these amendments would impact current abortion laws in their respective states. Voter approval of these amendments in November could solidify and expand abortion rights in these states.
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