Abortion is an issue that has divided this nation for far too long. It was the major – if not only – issue the Democrat party truly embraced in the 2024 election cycle. Despite my own inflamed rhetoric in these pages, I truly wish to have a conversation about this topic, seek understanding on both sides of the issue, and find a way forward where we can all function as a unified nation. Maybe that is too tall of an order?
In the 2024 election, ten states featured key ballot measures on abortion, a critical test following the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade. Voter decisions across these states reflect a varied and nuanced response to the issue, illustrating the continuing cultural and political divide over reproductive rights.
Ballot Measures and Results
- Arizona: Voters approved the Arizona Abortion Access Act, which enshrines the right to an abortion until fetal viability (around 24 weeks) in the state constitution. This outcome marks a significant reversal from previously strict abortion laws.
- Montana: A constitutional amendment passed, establishing that individuals have the right to make decisions regarding pregnancy, including abortion, up until viability, with exceptions for health concerns even post-viability.
- Colorado: Voters enshrined abortion rights in the state constitution and simultaneously repealed a long-standing ban on public funding for abortion services. This opens coverage under Medicaid and state employee insurance plans.
- New York: Proposition 1 passed, incorporating protections for reproductive autonomy into the state constitution. The measure received broad support, even amidst controversies over its inclusive language covering gender identity and other protections.
- Nevada: A measure to protect abortion rights received initial approval, requiring a second vote in 2026 for constitutional adoption. The strong pro-choice vote signals bipartisan support against legislative restrictions.
- Florida: Despite a large campaign push, a measure to expand abortion rights failed, reflecting Florida’s evolving political landscape, which has leaned more conservative in recent years.
- Maryland: A similar effort to establish constitutional protections for abortion rights passed with a decisive majority, solidifying the state’s stance as a leader in reproductive freedom.
- Missouri: Voters rejected an initiative that would have restricted access, underscoring Missouri’s complex political dynamics as even rural areas showed unexpected support for reproductive rights.
- Nebraska: An attempt to limit abortion to the first trimester failed, indicating a resistance to further tightening regulations.
- South Dakota: A comprehensive measure to ban nearly all abortions post-six weeks was defeated. The rural Midwest’s pro-life stronghold saw significant backlash from younger and suburban voters.
My Shot at Unbiased Analysis
The 2024 ballot measures demonstrate the enduring salience of abortion as a wedge issue. States like Colorado, New York, and Nevada showed overwhelming support for reproductive rights, while traditionally conservative areas such as Montana and Missouri displayed a surprising tilt toward autonomy over government mandates.
Several factors contributed to these outcomes. Demographic shifts, generational differences, and the power of grassroots mobilization played pivotal roles. Campaigns framing abortion as a matter of individual freedom and healthcare resonated even in conservative areas. Conversely, failures in Florida and Nebraska highlight regional and ideological complexities where conservative values hold sway.
Moreover, bipartisan support for certain measures, especially in swing states like Nevada, suggests that reproductive rights are not as partisan as sometimes portrayed. Voter turnout was reportedly high, and the issue may have driven engagement among key demographics, notably young voters and women.
Overall, the results illustrate a complex national landscape where abortion remains deeply polarizing, yet increasingly driven by nuanced considerations beyond traditional party lines.
That’s the beginning of the conversation
I do think it was important to begin with a summary of what happened at the ballot box just a few days ago. While many disagree with the Dobbs decision and the overturning of Roe v. Wade because of the perceived “taking of rights” (I’ll elaborate more later on my belief of rights), what is transpiring two years after that decision is what I hoped would happen.
State by state, people are making policy in their respective state legislatures and at the ballot box. I agree with Ruth Bader Ginsburg – Roe v. Wade was bad, because it took an issue as important as abortion and put it in the hands of the courts. I agree with Justice Ginsburg, it is not a matter for the courts to decide, it is a matter for the people to decide, either legislatively or constitutionally, and as recent election results indicate, they are deciding.
For those involved in the anti-abortion movement, the results of these elections cannot be ignored. If we believe in our constitutional republic and democracy at the ballot box, the will of the people is being made known. But does that make it right? And who defines what is right? This will all be part of my online conversation.
There is so much more conversation to be had. I’ll post multiple articles and thoughts on the topic, and I encourage you to respectfully post your comments, even if (and especially) you vehemently disagree with my conclusions. I will “file” those articles and thoughts under the keyword “abortion.” At the end of each post on this site, you will find a list of keywords. You can click on any of those keywords to see a complete list of writings I have made on that subject.
More to come…
