Abortion Rights Amendments in U.S. States

SOURCE www.npr.org
States in the U.S. are seeking to maneuver around Republican-led legislatures to protect abortion rights by putting amendments on the ballot for voters to decide. Key states like Colorado, Florida, Maryland, South Dakota, Arizona, Arkansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, and Nevada are all involved in these efforts.

Key Points

  • States are using ballot measures to protect abortion rights after the federal right to abortion was overturned.
  • Colorado, Florida, Maryland, South Dakota, Arizona, Arkansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, and Nevada are key states in this movement.
  • The amendments aim to ensure abortion access up to the point of fetal viability, typically around 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Pros

  • Abortion rights advocates have the opportunity to protect and expand access to abortion through voter-approved amendments.
  • Statewide votes on abortion rights could motivate more voters to participate in elections.

Cons

  • Challenges such as gathering signatures and potential court battles may hinder the progress of these amendments.
  • The level of approval required for some amendments, like 60% in Florida, presents a significant hurdle.