The election shone bright lights on the battle to protect-or ban-abortion rights in the US. In ten states, voters were able to go to the ballot box to directly shape reproductive rights where there were abortion ballot measures. Here’s a look into how states voted on key measures and where abortion rights were expanded-and restricted.
States expanding abortion rights
A number of states used the 2024 election to expand abortion rights in an expansion of a broader trend toward protecting reproductive freedom. Seven of the ten states that had abortion-related measures on the ballot voted to expand the rights.
Missouri
Across the state of Missouri, which voted for Trump in the presidential election, surprisingly passed a measure to expand abortion rights, such a decision underlined how complex and sometimes contradictory voter priorities can get. With the movement in Missouri, for instance, the services of abortion were to become more accessible, and accordingly, the right to choose was given up to a certain period of the pregnancy stage.
Arizona
The Guardian writes about Arizona voters also approved a ballot measure aimed at protecting and expanding abortion rights. The state’s new law allows for abortions until the point of “fetal viability,” which is usually around 24 weeks. It significantly changed course in a state that had more restrictive laws about abortion on its books.
Montana and Nevada
Montana and Nevada joined a spate of states enhancing abortion rights. Both states passed measures that enshrine the right to abortion in their state constitutions, providing robust protections against potential future restrictions.
The Guttmacher Institute said other states that have expanded abortion rights include New Mexico, Michigan and Pennsylvania. But each of those states took moves to protect and expand abortion services in 2022, as part of a wider national trend to beat back erosions in reproductive rights. Guttmacher Institute.
States where abortion rights Are being curtailed
While many states expanded abortion rights, others pursued restrictions. The decisions reflect the lingering national debate over reproductive rights and significant regional divides in voter priorities in some of the most conservative parts of the country.
Florida
Florida’s ballot initiative would have allowed abortion until the time of fetal viability, or about 24 weeks; it was defeated. As a result of this vote Florida will continue more restrictive abortion laws than under the initiative. The defeat of this referendum reflects the conservative attitude of the state regarding matters of human reproduction (BBC).
Nebraska
The voters of Nebraska had an especially peculiar case of two high-profile, opposite referendums on the ballot: one seeking to expand abortion rights and another to restrict them. Whatever the results, the consequences of these measures are going to be very important in the legal landscape of the state and the access to abortion services thereof.
South Dakota
Reports have also confirmed that abortion rights in South Dakota will remain intact. South Dakota moved to criminalize abortions as voters in the state rejected an abortion rights amendment to the States Constitution according to the Associated Press.
Broader implications and observations
The 2024 election results show a deeply divided country on abortion. Whereas some states have taken clear measures to protect and expand abortion rights, others firmly resist such a move. That division can be seen in the different outcomes on the ballot measures and mirrors wider political and cultural trends.
Red states embracing progressive measures
Some red, traditionally conservative states, voted to implement progressive policies, including ones about abortion. For example, Missouri decided on the expansion of abortion rights despite supporting Trump in the previous election. In that regard, voter behavior becomes nuanced and sometimes unpredictable, as evidenced by this decision according to The Guardian .
Blue states upholding conservative measures
On the other hand, some “blue” states-noted for their liberal principles-advanced conservative ballot measures. California, for example, approved a tough-on-crime proposition, further proof that even within those states cloaked with progressive ideologies, voters can still approve of a conservative policy on certain issues.
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