Nine States, One Choice: The Power to Protect Abortion Rights in the Election

As the presidential election approaches, abortion remains at the forefront of people’s concerns. However, more than one race may have an impact on access to crucial care this year.

Nine states will have the ability to protect abortion on their come November. In four states, voters will vote on constitutional changes that could permanently protect access to care. In five others, campaigners are collecting signatures for amendments that would allow voters to do the same.

Here are the states where abortion will be on the ballot in 2024, as well as what you can do to help support the proposal. Here’s a hint: regardless of your state, you must vote.

Remember that abortion ballot referendums have been successful in all states where they have emerged thus far.

1. Arizona

Arizona for Abortion Access announced this week that they have collected enough signatures to place a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to abortion on the November ballot. The measure still needs to be vetted, but it is expected to pass.

2. Florida

The Florida Supreme Court, in the same decision that maintained a 15-week abortion restriction, approved a ballot initiative that would allow voters to determine whether to include abortion rights in the state constitution. The bill allows voters to explicitly oppose Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ 6-week moratorium, which was signed but has yet to be implemented.

While abortion is not currently in jeopardy under Maryland’s Democratic administration, voters have the opportunity to permanently protect the procedure through an amendment that would establish a “fundamental right to reproductive freedom.”

In November, New Yorkers will vote on the Equal Rights Amendment, which safeguards reproductive health care and prohibits discrimination based on ethnicity, national origin, age, handicap, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes.

3. Colorado

Colorado activists are also gathering signatures for an amendment that would officially acknowledge “the right to abortion.” The government would be forbidden from not only restricting care but also from prohibiting health insurance coverage for abortions.

4. Missouri

Missouri, the first state to pass a “trigger law” restricting abortion after the Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade, today has one of the most stringent bans in the country. A proposed amendment would establish the individual’s right “to make and carry out decisions about all matters relating to reproductive health care.”

Missouri mandates that ballot proposal petitions be signed in person. Local organizations have held signing ceremonies to gather the necessary support.

5. Montana

The Montana Supreme Court rejected the Republican state attorney general’s decision to prevent a ballot measure to protect abortion rights, allowing it to proceed.

The bill’s language must be authorized by the attorney general and passed via parliamentary committees before advocates can begin collecting signatures. Once cleared, it will need 60,000 signatures by June 21 to appear on the November ballot.

6. Nebraska

One year after Republican Gov. Jim Pillen enacted a 12-week prohibition, the Right to Abortion Amendment would allow abortions until viability. To appear on the ballot, valid signatures from 10% of registered voters in the state are required, as are signatures from 5% of registered voters in 38 of Nebraska’s 93 counties. To sign, go to Protect Our Rights.

7. Nevada

Nevada’s Reproductive Rights Amendment would provide “a fundamental, individual right to abortion” until viability, or if the care is required for the well-being of a pregnant patient. To get the initiative on the ballot, roughly 103,000 signatures from registered voters in the state are required by June 26. Nevadans for Reproductive Freedom provides information on how to sign.