On Tuesday, voters in 10 states were asked to decide on certain ballot measures that would expand abortion access and reproductive rights in their areas. These included voters in Missouri, Florida, and New York.
Of those 10 states, seven voted to protect or expand access to abortion. In the other three areas, the defeated measures mean their restrictions on reproductive rights will remain in place. Here are how the measures fared.
Arizona
Votes needed to pass: 50%
Votes gained: 61.7%
In Arizona, voters were asked whether they would pass Proposition 139, which would expand abortion eligibility from the current 15 weeks of pregnancy up to fetal viability (usually about 24 weeks). The proposition would also allow abortions after fetal viability if the pregnancy puts the mother's life at risk.
Colorado
Votes needed to pass: 55%
Votes gained: 61.4%
Voters in Colorado passed Amendment 79, which would strengthen protections and add language to the state Constitution that would prohibit state and local governments from impeding the right to reproductive care.
Additionally, the amendment would also now allow public funding for abortions, which means the procedure could be covered under Medicaid and added to state employee health plans.
Florida
Votes needed to pass: 60%
Votes gained: 57.1%
Amendment 4 in Florida sought to expand abortion rights from the current six weeks up to fetal viability. The measure failed to pass.
Maryland
Votes needed to pass: 50%
Votes gained: 74.1%
Voters in Maryland passed Question 1, an amendment that would enshrine reproductive rights in the state Constitution. It would also prevent the state government from interfering with access to abortion unless it is justified by a compelling state interest.
Missouri
Votes needed to pass: 50%
Votes gained: 51.6%
Missouri has one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the US. However, voters were in favor of enshrining reproductive rights, which allows the overturning of the ban and legalizing abortion up to fetal viability. It would also prevent the state from restricting funding for reproductive health organizations providing contraceptives and other related services.
Montana
Votes needed to pass: 50%
Votes gained: 57.2%
Montana's CI-128 would enshrine reproductive rights, including abortion, in the state constitution and protect access to other reproductive health services. It also protects individuals from being prosecuted based on actual, potential, perceived, or alleged pregnancy outcomes.
Nebraska
Nebraska voters were asked to vote on two abortion-related measures on the ballot.
Initiative 434 would allow the state to remain in place a ban on abortion after the first trimester, with exceptions for rape, incest, or if a mother's life is put at risk. On the other hand, Initiative 439 would have expanded the right to abortion until fetal viability.
To be enacted, the winning measure must have received a majority of the votes---51.3% voted against Initiative 439.
Nevada
Votes needed to pass: 50%
Votes gained: 63.3%
Question 6 in Nevada would ensure abortion access for the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. It would also allow abortion procedures after the limit if a doctor has "reasonable cause" to believe that it is needed to protect the life of a pregnant individual.
The passing of the measure will not mean it will become law. It will only put the measure on a general election ballot in 2026.
New York
Votes needed to pass: 50%
Votes gained: 61.8%
In New York, abortion is legal until 24 weeks of pregnancy. However, Proposition 1 would add language to the state constitution that prevents healthcare providers from denying reproductive rights to individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, ethnicity, national origin, age, and disability.
South Dakota
Votes needed to pass: 50%
Votes gained: 41.4%
South Dakota's Amendment G sought to establish a constitutional right to abortion and remove restrictions in the first trimester. It would also allow for the regulation of abortion in the second trimester and expand access to the third trimester only if it is medically necessary to save the life of a pregnant person.
The measure failed. The state's near-total abortion ban remains.
