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An abortion rights measure that was at risk of being excluded from the November ballot in Missouri has been reinstated, the Missouri state Supreme Court ruled Tuesday, September 10.
Less than three hours before the state’s deadline to print absentee ballots, the court ruled that Amendment 3, which asks voters whether the state should enshrine abortion rights in the Missouri Constitution, can appear on the ballot.
It comes after a long legal battle between abortion rights activists, anti-abortion groups and Republican lawmakers.
Abortion is illegal in Missouri except to save the life of the pregnant woman or to prevent serious physical harm.
The ruling makes Missouri the tenth state to confirm it will have a measure related to abortion.
Here again abortion is on the ballot across the country.
Arizona
The Arizona Secretary of State’s office confirmed on August 12 that Proposition 139 will be on the November ballot.
The measure would ask voters if the state should enshrine a basic right to abortion in the Arizona Constitution. It will prohibit the state from outlawing abortion before the point of fetal life – around 24 weeks – and allow for abortion after that point as long as the doctor determines it is necessary to protect the health of the pregnant person.
Abortion is now banned in the country after 15 weeks.
Colorado
On May 17, the Colorado Secretary of State’s office announced that voters will vote on Initiative 89 in November.
The measure would enshrine the right to abortion in the state constitution and also prohibit state and local governments from preventing access to abortion even through health insurance.
Abortion is now legal in Colorado.
Florida
The Florida State Supreme Court ruled on April 1 that Amendment 4 will appear on the November ballot.
The measure prevents state governments from enacting laws that prohibit, punish, delay or restrict abortion before the point of life or if it is necessary to protect the health of the pregnant woman.
Florida currently has a 6-week abortion ban but includes exceptions in cases of rape or incest, to save the life or health of the pregnant woman, and if the fetus will not survive the pregnancy.
Maryland
On March 31, Maryland’s legislature passed an amendment confirming that Question 1, a proposal that enshrines the right to reproductive freedom in the state constitution, will be on the ballot in November.
Abortion is legal in Maryland.
Missouri
Missouri voters will decide on Amendment 3 during the general election, the Secretary of State said on August 13.
The measure would amend the country’s constitution to include the right to reproductive freedom which includes allowing abortion up to the point of fetal viability and after health care professionals determine it is necessary.
Abortion is illegal in Missouri unless it is to save the life of the pregnant woman or to prevent a serious risk of physical harm.
Montana
The Secretary of State confirmed on August 21 that a constitutional proposal containing the right to abortion up to the point of life will be on the November vote.
Abortion is legal in Montana up to the point of life.
Nebraska
Nebraska’s general election will include two proposed measures related to abortion – one to enforce the right to abortion until life and the other to ban 12-week abortions in the state, the Secretary of State announced on August 23.
Protecting the Right to Abortion, establishes the “fundamental right” for everyone to have an abortion up to the point of life – generally believed to be around 24 weeks – or in cases to protect the life and health of the pregnant person.
Abortion is legal up to 12 weeks in Nebraska and after cases of rape, incest or saving the life of the pregnant woman.
Nevada
Voters in the state will vote on Question 6, which would grant the right to abortion until the fetus is viable and after to protect the life or health of the pregnant person, the Nevada Secretary of State’s office confirmed on June 28.
Abortion is legal in Nevada up to 24 weeks and after to save the life of the pregnant woman.
New York
In June, a state appeals court returned Proposition 1 to the November ballot, which would amend the state constitution to increase protections for pregnant women, pregnancy outcomes and reproductive health care and autonomy.
New York allows abortions up to 24 weeks and beyond to protect the life and health of the pregnant woman or if doctors determine the fetus will not survive.
South Dakota
On May 17, South Dakota confirmed that Amendment G will be on the ballot in November
Amendment G would prohibit the state from interfering with abortion during the first trimester, allow the state to regulate abortion in a manner “reasonably related to the physical health of the pregnant woman” and allow the state to regulate or prohibit abortion in the third trimester except in cases to preserve the life or health of the person pregnant.
Abortion is prohibited in South Dakota except to save the life of the pregnant woman.
