Upcoming deadlines in five states, from now until July 5, are crucial for advocates gathering signatures to place abortion-related questions on November’s ballots.
Four states already have measures on the ballot that aim to protect the right to abortion in their constitutions, while two more states are verifying the petitions submitted. New York’s attorney general is also working to reinstate a question that was removed by a court.
Following the Supreme Court’s June 13 abortion ruling, the push for ballot measures continues, with abortion rights supporters warning against too much confidence in the ruling. Abortion rights are expected to be a major issue in the upcoming elections at both state and federal levels.
The outcome of these measures could have a significant impact on the abortion landscape, shaping the trends that have emerged since the Supreme Court revoked the nationwide right to abortion nearly two years ago.
Since the 2022 ruling, Republican-led states have implemented new abortion restrictions, including 14 states with bans at all stages of pregnancy. Conversely, Democratic-led states have enacted laws to protect access to abortion.
States like California, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, Ohio, and Vermont have shown support for abortion rights on ballot measures since 2022. On the other hand, some efforts to restrict or ban abortion have failed to reach the ballots.
For example, measures in Wisconsin and Iowa did not progress to a vote, while similar efforts in Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Maine, and Minnesota also faced setbacks.
What to Expect in 2024 Ballots
COLORADO
In Colorado, a measure to enshrine abortion protections in the state constitution, including coverage by Medicaid and private insurers, has qualified for the fall election ballot. The state currently allows abortion at all stages of pregnancy.
FLORIDA
A Florida Supreme Court ruling cleared the way for a ballot measure to legalize abortion until fetal viability, surpassing the required number of signatures. Abortion is currently banned in Florida after the first six weeks of pregnancy.
MARYLAND
Maryland voters will decide on enshrining abortion rights in the state’s constitution, with existing protections until viability.
SOUTH DAKOTA
South Dakota voters will weigh in on a measure this fall that would ban restrictions on abortion in the first trimester and regulate second-trimester abortions based on the pregnant woman’s physical health.
ARIZONA
A signature drive is underway in Arizona to add a constitutional right to abortion, with support needed by July 4. Current abortion laws allow up to 15 weeks of gestation.
ARKANSAS
An amendment allowing abortion in certain cases is being pursued in Arkansas, requiring signatures by July 5.
MISSOURI
Abortion rights advocates in Missouri are seeking a constitutional amendment to guarantee abortion until viability, pending signature verification.
MONTANA
In Montana, a proposed constitutional amendment would protect abortion rights before viability or to safeguard the pregnant person’s life or health.
NEBRASKA
Advocates in Nebraska are collecting signatures for a constitutional amendment to protect abortion rights until fetal viability.
NEVADA
An abortion rights measure in Nevada aims to enshrine access up to 24 weeks of pregnancy.
NEW YORK
A measure involving reproductive health care was removed from New York’s November ballot due to a procedural error, with plans for an appeal.
