Montana Joins States Putting Abortion Rights on the Ballot – Details Inside

Montana residents will have the opportunity to vote on whether abortion rights should be protected in the state constitution this November. This makes Montana the ninth state to present the issue of abortion directly to its citizens.

On Tuesday, the Montana Secretary of State’s Office confirmed that voters will see an abortion rights measure on the general election ballot. This measure asks residents if they want to enshrine a state Supreme Court ruling that guarantees the right to an abortion up to the point of viability, which is typically around 24 weeks.

The coalition known as Montanans Securing Reproductive Rights, which includes organizations such as ACLU Montana, Planned Parenthood of Montana, Forward Montana, and the Fairness Project, submitted an impressive 117,000 signatures to support this measure, far exceeding the required 60,039 signatures.

Abortion-related measures will also be featured on ballots in several other states.

In Arizona, the Secretary of State’s Office confirmed on August 12 that Proposition 139 will appear on the November ballot. This proposal aims to establish a fundamental right to abortion in the Arizona Constitution, ensuring that abortions cannot be banned before the point of fetal viability. Currently, Arizona enforces a 15-week abortion ban.

In Colorado, voters will decide on Initiative 89 in the upcoming election, as announced by the Secretary of State’s office on May 17. The measure seeks to guarantee the right to an abortion in the state constitution and prevent any state or local laws that impede access to abortion services, ensuring that health care insurance covers the procedure. Abortion remains legal in Colorado.

Meanwhile, in Florida, the State Supreme Court ruled on April 1 that Amendment 4 will be included on the November ballot. This amendment prohibits state laws that restrict, penalize, or delay access to abortion prior to the point of viability or when a pregnant person’s health is at risk. Florida currently has a strict 6-week abortion ban but allows exceptions under certain circumstances.

On March 31 in Maryland, the legislature passed an amendment confirming that Question 1, a proposal affirming the right to reproductive freedom, would be presented to voters in November. Abortion is legal in Maryland.

In Missouri, voters will address Amendment 3 during the general election, which aims to amend the state constitution to include the right to reproductive freedom. This would allow abortions until viability and thereafter if deemed necessary by a healthcare provider. Currently, abortion is heavily restricted in Missouri, only allowed in life-threatening situations.

Nevada voters will also make a significant decision, as they will consider Question 6, which seeks to guarantee the right to abortion up to the point of viability and afterward if necessary to protect a pregnant person’s life or health. Abortion is permitted in Nevada up to 24 weeks.

In New York, a state appeals court reinstated Proposal 1 to the November ballot in June. This proposal aims to amend the state constitution to enhance protections for pregnant individuals and reproductive healthcare access. Currently, New York allows abortions up to 24 weeks, with additional provisions for health-related circumstances.

Lastly, in South Dakota, Amendment G was certified for the November ballot on May 17. This amendment aims to prevent state interference with abortions during the first trimester and establish regulations that only pertain to the physical health of the pregnant person. Presently, abortion is generally banned in South Dakota except when necessary to save a pregnant individual’s life.