The ongoing battle for abortion rights has Ohio on the map, as it advocates hope to replicate their success in other states. Ohioans recently approved a proposed amendment fortifying abortion protections in the state. This victory has energized advocates in Nevada, Arizona, and Florida, potentially influencing voters in the critical 2024 presidential election year. As we look ahead to the next arenas of the abortion fight, it’s essential to understand the nuanced details involved in each state’s fight.
In Nevada, abortion access is protected up to the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, with additional exceptions afterward. However, the state’s laws can only be modified by a direct vote of the people through a constitutional amendment. To this end, advocates are working to collect voter signatures for a new amendment before the June 26th deadline in the hopes of getting it on the 2024 ballot.
The campaign for abortion rights in Arizona aims to establish that everyone has a fundamental right to abortion and protect access up until fetal viability. The right to abortion also cannot be barred or penalized. In parallel to Nevada, the group must collect signatures before July 3, 2024, for the measure to be voted on next November.
Abortion in Florida is currently in a contentious state, with Governor Ron DeSantis signing a six-week abortion ban, which is now on hold. Advocates are pushing back with a proposed constitutional amendment protecting various aspects of abortion access, aiming to gather the required number of signatures for the initiative by February 1, 2024.
In Missouri, two separate groups are attempting to bring about various amendments protecting reproductive freedom to combat the state’s current restrictive laws. Both groups have until early May to gather signatures for their measures.
While South Dakota might not be at the forefront of abortion discussions, a group there is advocating for a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at expanding abortion access. The initiative requires over 35,000 signatures by May 7, 2024, to appear before voters.
As the abortion rights battle unfolds in these states, it remains a key issue that could shape the political landscape for years to come. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill today.
