Voters across the United States made significant moves concerning abortion rights during the 2024 election, with results highlighting both victories and setbacks.
On November 5, 2024, seven states passed measures to enshrine abortion access as a constitutional right, marking these wins as milestones for reproductive rights advocates. Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, and New York voted overwhelmingly to protect abortion rights, amid rising concerns about the future of women's healthcare under the potential re-election of former President Donald Trump, who has been widely criticized for his stance on abortion.
The elections marked the highest number of statewide ballot measures related to abortion rights recorded in recent years. Historically, voters across the U.S. have supported abortion rights on the ballot since the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, which effectively overturned Roe v. Wade, triggering several states to enact restrictive laws. This year, voters defied the trend of tightening abortion access by stepping up to secure protections where candidates might not.
According to the Center for Biological Diversity, nearly two-thirds of voters backed the constitutional amendment for abortion rights. Stephanie Feldstein, the population and sustainability director at the organization, noted the importance of these victories: “The majority of voters across the country showed support for reproductive rights, even as they elect leaders promising to dismantle them,” she stated.
The results painted a complex picture. While seven states voted to safeguard access to reproductive health care, others, like Florida, Nebraska, and South Dakota, saw proposals for similar amendments falter. Florida's Amendment 4, for example, aimed to limit government interference with abortion, fostering lead-up debates about the state's strict six-week ban but failed when it garnered only 57% approval, short of the 60% threshold needed.
Florida's outcome pitted advocates against state officials who had tried to keep the amendment off the ballot. Lauren Brenzel, director of the campaign supporting Amendment 4, called out the government’s attempts at disinformation and expressed disappointment over what she termed “a clear message” from voters to repeal the restrictive law, saying, “They are tired of women being forced to give birth to children who died in their arms.”
The results also indicated progressive shifts within traditionally conservative states. For example, Arizona's newly passed Proposition 139 now establishes abortion as “a fundamental right” allowing procedures up until fetal viability—an important move considering the state’s previous legislation which banned abortions after 15 weeks. Nearly 62% of voters embraced this change, indicating strong support for reproductive rights within the battleground state.
Colorado also embraced significant change, with more than 61% of voters passing Amendment 79 to enshrine abortion rights within the state constitution, repaying legislative advances to safeguard reproductive freedom against potential future rollbacks.
Maryland voters approved their own measure to include reproductive freedom, aligning with the national sentiment toward enshrined rights. The Maryland experience highlights how legislative initiatives can directly mirror public support, as state laws permitting access were reinforced through citizen engagement.
One of the most notable victories for abortion rights advocates occurred in Missouri, where 52% of voters amended the state’s constitution to guarantee the right to abortion until fetal viability. Elisabeth Smith from the Center for Reproductive Rights emphasized the significance of this result, stating, “This is the first time voters have enshrined abortion rights in the constitution after experiencing numerous draconian bans.” Missouri had previously been regarded as one of the most hostile environments for reproductive health, and the passage of this measure was seen as defiance against stringent laws.
Montana and Nevada also made strides for reproductive rights by approving pro-abortion amendments, aligning more firmly with the public’s preference for accessible healthcare.
Despite these progressions, the rejection of measures aimed at securing abortion rights in states like South Dakota and Nebraska serves as a stark reminder of the divisive nature of this issue. South Dakota's attempted measures were also rejected, affirming the complexity of public sentiment within regions where rightist movements continue gaining ground.
According to the Guttmacher Institute, abortion rates have climbed significantly since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, with the 2023 data showing numbers up 11% compared to 2020. This statistic reveals the continued strain and demand for healthcare services intertwined with the political climate, illustrating the urgency for advocates to leverage state ballot initiatives as instruments of change.
Many observers are betting these ballot measures will continue to shape the national dialogue around reproductive rights, especially as proponents of abortion access strategize for future elections. For now, the victories celebrated by reproductive rights advocates paint a colorful picture against the stark backdrop of restrictive laws across other states.
Overall, the 2024 election results showcase both the vibrant push for reproductive rights and the potential obstacles stemming from the polarized environment. With many eyes now set on the 2026 elections, advocates argue for continued engagement at the state level to secure and expand reproductive healthcare access, signaling this year's significant wins could be just the beginning of their movement.
