Voters in 10 US states will have the opportunity on November 5 to change local abortion laws, and Catholic leaders are calling on all citizens to vote to defend the life of the unborn.
Several of the proposals on the state ballot threaten current pro-life protections, particularly a series of proposed constitutional amendments to expand abortion.
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At the same time, in other states that do little to protect unborn children, the proposed measures would make abortion even more accessible than it already is. Nebraskafor example, is in the unusual position of having two abortion-related proposals on the ballot, one pro-life and one pro-abortion.
Here’s an update on each state that will vote on abortion this year, with information on what Catholic leaders have stated on the matter.
Arizona
Arizona voters will be able to decide whether to add a so-called “abortion right” to the state constitution, meaning the state will not be able to restrict abortion up to the point of “viability,” about 24 weeks of pregnancy.
On April 3, Arizona for Abortion Access PAC exceeded the required number of signatures for his initiative, Proposition 139, to appear on the November ballot. If passed, the amendment would invalidate the state law that protects the life of the unborn up to 15 weeks, as well as most of the state’s other pro-life laws.
The Arizona Catholic Conference, which represents the state’s bishops, released a statement in late August expressing “strong opposition” to Proposition 139, stating that, despite its claims of being “moderate in nature,” the language of the proposal would make Arizona “one of the most extreme states in terms of abortion.”
Colorado
Advocates on both sides of the abortion debate circulated conflicting 2024 ballot proposals, but only the pro-abortion measure managed to gather enough signatures to appear on the ballot.
Colorado is already one of the most permissive states in the country on abortion and is well known as a haven for late-term abortionists. The pro-abortion measure, Amendment 79, would enshrine in the state constitution existing laws that allow abortion during the nine months of pregnancy. Specifically, it would amend the state constitution to say the government “shall not deny, impede, or discriminate in the exercise of the right to abortion, including the prohibition of health insurance coverage for abortion.”
The Colorado Catholic Conference is encouraging everyone to vote against Amendment 79, noting that, among other things, it would open the door to direct taxpayer funding for abortion.
“Abortion clinics are currently unregulated in Colorado, posing a serious health risk to women undergoing the surgical procedure. “Amendment 79 will ensure that regulations are never imposed on abortion clinics, even compared to heavily regulated hospitals, because that would be considered ‘obstructing’ access to abortion,” the bishops warned.
Florida
The pro-abortion group Floridians Protecting Freedom He successfully gathered enough signatures to place his Abortion Rights Initiative on the November constitutional ballot.
The measure’s proposed language, Amendment 4, would add a right to abortion before the point of “viability” to the state constitution if 60% of voters approve it. It would also allow late-term abortions if a woman’s doctor deems it necessary to save her child’s life. In Florida, abortion is currently illegal after six weeks of pregnancy with limited exceptions.
Polls suggest Florida’s pro-abortion amendment is destined to fail, with only 46% of Florida voters supporting it. If it fails, it will become the first pro-abortion amendment to be defeated at the polls since the repeal of Roe v. Wade in 2022.
The Florida bishops, calling the proposal an “extremely serious amendment,” said it is an “extreme proposal that legalizes full-term abortion without protections for the unborn child, even when the child is capable of feeling pain.”
Maryland
Maryland’s proposed Reproductive Freedom Rights Amendment, or Question 1, would cement a “right” to abortion in the state constitution and make it impossible to enact pro-life laws. The amendment was added to the ballot by the state Legislature based on a 60% vote in both chambers.
Maryland currently does not impose gestational limits on abortion. Parental notification is required for a minor to undergo an abortion, but critics say that requirement is easy to circumvent.
The bishops of Maryland say that “a vote against the constitutional amendment is a vote for women and justice.” According to the bishops, the amendment would divert attention and resources from efforts that will promote women’s well-being and threaten conscience rights in health care; would prohibit or hinder women’s personal decisions and support for pregnancies; and would eliminate flexibility to create laws that meet the needs and interests of residents, such as safeguards for women’s health.
Missouri
Amendment 3, which was certified to appear on the November ballot after gathering thousands of signatures, “would prohibit any regulation of abortion, including regulations designed to protect women who undergo abortions, and prohibit any civil or criminal recourse against any “person who performs an abortion and harms or kills pregnant women,” according to the secretary of state’s office.
Missouri law currently protects unborn babies throughout pregnancy, with the only exception being cases of “medical emergencies.”
The Missouri Catholic Conference called the measure “an extreme constitutional amendment that legalizes abortion at any stage of pregnancy without protections for the unborn child, even when the child is capable of feeling pain.”
Montana
Election Issue No. 14, if passed, would amend Montana’s constitution “to expressly provide a right to make decisions about pregnancy, including the right to abortion,” according to the secretary of state’s office.
The initiative, also known as CI-128, would guarantee the right to abortion before fetal viability, enshrining a 1999 Montana Supreme Court ruling that held that pre-viability abortions fall under a “constitutional right to privacy.” “.
Montana’s bishops have called the measure a “serious threat to unborn babies,” and are urging everyone to vote against the measure.
Nebraska
Nebraska is the only state where there is both a pro-life measure and a pro-abortion measure on the November ballot.
House Bill 576, known as Initiative 1, is a pro-life measure that “would prohibit abortion after six weeks of pregnancy, with exceptions for the life and health of the mother, as well as for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest”. On the other hand, House Bill 580, known as Initiative 2, is a pro-abortion measure that “would prohibit the Nebraska state legislature from enacting laws that restrict access to abortion.”
Both measures have generated intense debate in the state, and the bishops have issued a message urging everyone to vote in favor of Initiative 1.
Ohio
Ohio voters will also face a constitutional amendment to secure the “right to abortion” in the state constitution.
The measure, which is also on the November ballot, was promoted by the pro-abortion group Ohioans for Reproductive Freedomand if approved, would enshrine “the right to choose, plan and make decisions about pregnancy.” It is expected that abortion will be allowed until the time of fetal viability, approximately 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Ohio’s bishops are urging everyone to vote against the measure, warning that the amendment “could allow late-term abortions and even create problems protecting unborn children,” as well as including language that could make implementation difficult. of safeguards for women seeking abortions.
Pennsylvania
Voters in Pennsylvania won’t face a constitutional amendment on abortion, but polls suggest Gov. Josh Shapiro is a strong supporter of abortion rights.
The bishops of Pennsylvania have issued a strong statement against abortion, stressing that “abortion is a serious violation of human rights and the dignity of people.” They urge all citizens to exercise their right to vote and make their voices heard on this important issue.
Translated and adapted by the ACI Prensa team. Originally published in CNA.
Jonah McKeown
Jonah McKeown is a writer and podcast producer for Catholic News Agency. He has a master’s degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and has worked as a writer, radio producer and videographer.