Voters in seven states approve measures to protect abortion rights while Florida and South Dakota efforts fail

In the 2024 elections, voters in seven states approved measures to protect abortion rights in their constitutions, including Arizona, Colorado, New York, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, and Nevada. These measures will expand or maintain access to abortion services. In contrast, Florida and South Dakota saw efforts to protect abortion rights fail. Florida's amendment did not meet the required 60% threshold, and South Dakota voters rejected a measure that would have allowed abortions with regulations during the first and second trimesters. Nebraska faced two conflicting measures regarding its 12-week abortion ban. Voters had to choose between upholding the ban or establishing a right to abortion up to viability. The outcome of this ballot remains uncertain.