A “yes” in support of women’s right to abortion prevailed in many referendums held alongside the US presidential election, though not in Florida, the country’s third most populous state.
The result in Florida marks the first defeat for abortion rights supporters in referendums conducted in the US since the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision, which removed federal protection for this right.
For over two years, whenever referendums on abortion protection have been held, they have been approved, even in conservative states like Kansas and Kentucky.
Election Campaign Focus
Abortion rights were also central to the presidential election campaign, with Democratic candidate Kamala Harris positioning herself as a protector of women’s rights against her opponent, Donald Trump.
During his presidency, the Republican appointed three conservative justices to the Supreme Court, shifting its balance and leading to the June 2022 decision. Since then, each state has had the right to legislate on abortion, with around 20 adopting strict restrictions or even bans.
Many women have been forced to travel to other states to access abortion services, and some faced severe complications before doctors intervened, fearing prosecution if they performed illegal abortions.
State Referendum Results
Arizona
In Arizona, a key state in the presidential election, voters supported amending the state constitution to allow abortions until the foetus is viable outside the womb – around 24 weeks – compared to the previous limit of 15 weeks.
Florida
In Florida, the proposed amendment aimed to legalise abortions until foetal viability. Currently, the state has a six-week limit, when many women may not even know they are pregnant.
For the amendment to pass in Florida, it needed 60% of the vote, the highest threshold among the ten states where abortion referendums were held yesterday.
Media reports indicate that 57% of Florida voters supported the amendment.
“The majority of Florida voters clearly expressed tonight their desire to restore reproductive rights. But due to the 60% threshold and the state’s misinformation campaign, they must continue living in fear, uncertainty, and denial of care,” commented Nancy Northup, president of the Centre for Reproductive Rights.
Colorado
In Colorado, a proposal was adopted to amend the state constitution to guarantee the right to abortion, though it was already legal in the state.
Maryland
In Maryland, the referendum also concerned amending the state constitution to guarantee “the right to reproductive freedom,” including a woman’s ability to continue or terminate a pregnancy. Abortion was already legal in Maryland.
Missouri
Abortion was banned in Missouri, but after the victory of “yes” in the referendum, the state constitution will now guarantee “the right to reproductive freedom.”
Nevada
In Nevada, a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to abortion was adopted. The state already permits abortions up to 24 weeks, but the constitutional amendment will make it harder to repeal this right.
Voters must approve this measure twice, this year and again in 2026, for the constitution to be amended.
New York
The approved amendment will modify the New York state constitution to guarantee women’s right to abortion and individuals’ autonomy over reproductive health decisions.
Abortion is already legal in New York.
Montana
Voluntary termination of pregnancy is legal in Montana, and the referendum concerned amending the state constitution to guarantee the right to abortion. The amendment appears likely to pass.
South Dakota
A referendum proposal to enshrine the right to abortion in the state constitution was ultimately rejected by voters.
Currently, abortion is banned in South Dakota, except in rare cases.
Nebraska
Voters in Nebraska were asked to consider two opposing measures. The first, which media projections indicate will be rejected, aimed to legalise abortions until the foetus is viable outside the womb or if medically necessary.
The second measure, which appears likely to pass, will enshrine the current ban on abortions after the 12th week, with exceptions for cases of rape, incest, or threat to the mother’s life.
Source: ANA – MPA – AFP – Reuters
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