Nevada to Vote on Abortion Rights Amendment in November
A constitutional amendment to protect abortion rights in Nevada has qualified for the November ballot after gathering over 127,000 signatures. The initiative would guarantee the right to an abortion until fetal viability or when necessary to protect the life or health of the pregnant patient.
Nevadans for Reproductive Freedom, a political action committee that organized the ballot initiative, submitted over 200,000 signatures last month. County officials verified just under 128,000 signatures to meet the state's requirement of at least 102,362 valid signatures.
The amendment comes as abortion rights are under threat in several states following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade last year, which had established a nationwide right to abortion for nearly 50 years.
Fourteen states have banned abortions at all stages of pregnancy, while 25 allow abortions up to 24 weeks or later with limited exceptions. Nevada is one of several states where voters will decide on constitutional amendments protecting abortion rights in November.
Supporters argue that enshrining the right to an abortion in the state constitution would provide greater protection against potential future restrictions. The amendment must be approved by voters in both 2024 and 2026 to become a constitutional amendment.
The Nevada Secretary of State's office certified the petition on June 30, following a verification process that began in May. County officials from across the state approved required signatures for certification.
Nevada Democrats hope the measure will increase voter turnout and enthusiasm in November. An Emerson College poll found 58 percent of Nevadans supported the measure, with only 20 percent opposing and the rest undecided.
The abortion rights amendment is one of several ballot initiatives that could shape other races this election cycle. Similar measures are underway in states like Arizona, Arkansas, and Nebraska.
