(NPR, Nov. 8, 2023)
In the six states where voters were asked to weigh in directly on abortion rights, they supported measures that protect those rights and rejected initiatives that could threaten them.
In Ohio, voters approved a ballot initiative putting protections for reproductive health decisions in the state constitution, including abortion at least until fetal viability.
In Vermont, voters approved a measure to enshrine abortion rights in the state’s constitution.
In California, voters approved a measure to enshrine abortion rights in the state’s constitution.
In Kentucky, voters rejected a measure that would have explicitly stated the state constitution contains no right to abortion.
In Michigan, voters approved a measure to enshrine abortion rights in the state’s constitution.
In Montana, voters rejected a measure to punish healthcare workers who fail to treat infants born alive at any stage of development, including after an attempted abortion.
Meanwhile, in Virginia, abortion wasn’t directly on the ballot, but the issue was front and center in the campaign.
Democrats took control of the state House of Delegates while maintaining control of the state Senate — an important goal for abortion rights supporters in a state with a divided legislature and a Republican governor.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin has supported a proposal to ban most abortions after 15 weeks, with some exceptions.