Changes in Abortion Laws in US States Following the Election: How Have Measures on the Ballot Shifted Policies? | US News

Abortion rights have been a major focus in the US election, with Kamala Harris championing women’s reproductive freedoms and Donald Trump sending mixed signals on his stance.

Measures to protect or expand abortion rights were on the ballot in 10 different states, aiming to address the national erosion of abortion rights since the overturning of Roe vs Wade in 2022.

Maryland, Montana, Nevada, and New York, where abortion is legal until fetal viability, along with Colorado, where women have unrestricted access to abortion, have voted to enshrine their rights in their constitutions.

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Missouri and Arizona also passed measures to guarantee abortion rights in their constitutions.

Advocates claim these provisions will safeguard pro-choice rights in the future.

Here is a breakdown of how different states fared, based on projections by Edison Research or the Associated Press (AP).

Florida – Failed

Despite falling just short of the 60% needed to pass (thresholds vary by state), the ballot in Florida did not succeed. Abortion has been banned after the sixth week of pregnancy with limited exceptions since May.

Arizona – Passed

Arizona’s ballot measure secured a significant victory for women by amending the state constitution to ensure abortion rights up to fetal viability, typically around 23-24 weeks.

Currently, abortions are prohibited after the 15th week of pregnancy in the state.

Missouri – Passed

In Missouri, where abortion is restricted with few exceptions, voters approved an amendment to guarantee a “right to reproductive freedom” in their constitution.

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Nevada – Passed

The ballot measure in Nevada aims to secure abortion rights in the state constitution, protecting the existing laws allowing abortions up to 24 weeks. Amending the constitution would make it more challenging to overturn these rights in the future.

Voters would need to approve the measure twice, once this year and again in 2026, to change the constitution.

Montana – Passed

In Montana, the ballot measure maintained the legality of abortion and enshrined the right in the state constitution.

Colorado – Passed

Similarly, in Colorado, where abortion is already legal, the ballot measure was successful.

South Dakota – Failed (AP projection)

Abortion is presently banned in South Dakota with limited exceptions.

Nebraska – Failed (AP projection)

Nebraska voters considered two conflicting ballot measures. One, which aimed to add access to abortions to the state constitution, did not pass.

The other measure, enshrining the current ban on abortion beyond 12 weeks with exceptions for rape, incest, and maternal life, was successful.

New York – Passed

The ballot measure in New York would amend the Equal Protection Clause of the state constitution to secure access to abortion and protect individuals’ autonomy in reproductive healthcare decisions.

Abortion remains legal in New York.

Maryland – Passed

The ballot measure in Maryland would amend the state constitution to guarantee a “right to reproductive freedom,” encompassing the choice to continue or terminate a pregnancy. Abortion remains legal in Maryland.