Constitutional amendments are an extreme way to change laws in a state. In fact, many states do not allow for these citizen-initiated constitutional amendments. Of the 50 states, there are only 18 in which citizens can gather signatures to place an amendment onto the ballot. Many of these states require only a 50% +1 majority for these amendments to pass, while others require the ballot measure to receive at least 60%. With this in mind, pro-abortion activists are targeting otherwise pro-life states like Missouri, South Dakota, and Ohio, because they believe they can get a simple majority of voters to go along with their ambiguous amendments.
Over the next year, we are likely to see close to 10 different abortion-related constitutional amendments. These range from Ohio's initiative that would remove all abortion restrictions, to Iowa's which would ensure that there is no right to abortion in their constitution. You can find the details for each of these upcoming ballot initiatives below. As the coalitions to support or counter these amendments form, we will be adding more information so that you can stay informed. You can also find a full list of the upcoming issues on Ballotpedia here.
On the Ballot in 2023
OHIO
The "Ohio Issue 1, Right to Make Reproductive Decisions Including Abortion Initiative" would greenlight abortion all the way up to birth by giving abortionists the final say on what’s allowed. This issue is intentionally written to be vague and broad so that it will stop the state legislature from creating any restrictions on abortion and other "reproductive decisions" for both adults and children.
The local pro-life groups have come together to form Protect Women Ohio to counter the pro-abortion amendment. Check out and download their talking points here!
Read more about the ballot proposal from National Review.
On the Ballot in 2024
MARYLAND
Maryland Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment
NEW YORK
New York Equal Protection of Law Amendment
Proposed for 2024
ARIZONA
Arizona Abortion Access Act Amendment
FLORIDA
Florida Prohibit Laws Restricting Abortion Initiative
IOWA
Iowa No State Constitutional Right to Abortion Amendment
MISSOURI
Missouri Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment
NEBRASKA
Nebraska Prohibit Abortion Procedures and Drugs Initiative
PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania No State Constitutional Right to Abortion Amendment
SOUTH DAKOTA
South Dakota Right to Abortion Amendment