Multiple states approved ballot measures supporting abortion rights on Election Day.
Measures to protect or expand reproductive rights were passed in Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, and New York on Tuesday.
Similar measures in Nebraska and South Dakota failed, while a measure in Florida drew 57% support but failed to reach the required threshold of 60%.
Arizona
Since 2022, Arizona has enforced a law banning abortions after the 15th week of pregnancy.
Now, voters have passed a constitutional amendment enshrining the right to abortion in the state constitution, 61.7% to 38.3%. The amendment guarantees abortion access up to the point of fetal viability -- generally seen as the point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb on its own, or around 24 weeks, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Colorado
The state already permits abortions at all stages of pregnancy.
Now, voters have passed an amendment, 61.5% to 38.5%, that adds an extra layer of protection by preventing the legislature from adopting abortion restrictions. It also allows public funding for abortion, meaning that the Colorado legislature can now provide coverage for government employees and others who rely on government-funded healthcare plans.
Maryland
Maryland law already protects the right to abortion.
Now, voters have passed a constitutional amendment that establishes a right to reproductive freedom and makes it harder to ever change the law. Voters overwhelming passed the amendment 74.1% to 25.9%.
Missouri
When the constitutional right to an abortion was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in June 2022, Missouri was the first state to make virtually all abortions illegal.
Now, abortions rights will be enshrined in the Missouri Constitution after voters overturned the state's near-total abortion ban 54% to 46%.
When the amendment goes into effect in 30 days, on December 5, abortion will be legal up until the point of fetal viability, around 24 weeks. The amendment also protects access to other reproductive health care, like birth control.
Montana
Since 1999, abortion has been legal in the state under a Montana Supreme Court ruling that said the constitutional right to privacy protects the right to abortion until fetal viability.
Now, voters have approved a ballot measure that enshrines the right to an abortion in the state constitution. Under the initiative, which passed 57.3% to 42.7%, the Legislature could regulate abortion after fetal viability, but could not restrict an abortion necessary to protect the life or health of a pregnant woman.
Nevada
Since 1990, abortion has been legal under a state law up to 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Now, voters have taken the first step to enshrine those rights by approving a ballot question that could amend Nevada's constitution and create a right to abortion until fetal viability or when needed to protect the life or health of a pregnant woman.
While the measure passed 63.2% to 36.8%, it requires approval at two successive general elections in order to amend the state constitution. Voters must also approve the ballot question in 2026 in order for it to take effect.
New York
New York law already protects the right to abortion.
Now, voters have passed a ballot measure that makes abortion rights part of the state constitution. Though it does not use the word "abortion," the Equal Rights Act prevents discrimination based on pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes as well as age, gender identity and sexual orientation. It was approved by a vote of 61.8% to 38.2%