This year, voters in five states are set to decide on referendums concerning abortion rights, with the possibility of more states following suit.
Following a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that eliminated nationwide abortion rights, there has been a nationwide effort to put these decisions in the hands of voters.
Since the ruling, many Republican-led states have implemented new abortion restrictions, including 14 states that prohibit abortion at any stage of pregnancy. Conversely, most states led by Democrats have enacted laws or executive orders aimed at protecting abortion access.
In all seven states where abortion-related questions have been put to voters since 2022 — California, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, Ohio, and Vermont — voters have consistently sided with supporters of abortion rights.
Detailed State Updates:
Colorado: In May, Colorado's top election official confirmed that a measure to constitutionally protect abortion rights, including requirements for Medicaid and private insurers to cover it, will be on the fall ballot. Abortion is currently legal throughout pregnancy in Colorado.
Florida: As of May 1, abortion is illegal in Florida after the first six weeks of pregnancy.
Maryland: Abortion is permitted in Maryland until viability.
Nevada: Voters would need to approve a constitutional change in both 2024 and 2026 to alter abortion laws.
South Dakota: Voters in South Dakota will decide this autumn on a measure that would prevent restrictions on first-trimester abortions and regulate second-trimester procedures only in ways related to the pregnant woman's physical health.
Arizona: Abortion is legal in Arizona for the first 15 weeks of pregnancy.
Arkansas: Planned Parenthood Great Plains does not support a proposal to ban abortions after 20 weeks in Arkansas.
Missouri: Abortion is prohibited throughout pregnancy in Missouri with limited exceptions.
Montana: Abortion is legal until viability in Montana, following a 1999 state Supreme Court decision.
Nebraska: A petition is competing to add a constitutional amendment similar to a recent law banning abortions after 12 weeks, with exceptions.
