By Karim Hammam
Voters in four states decided on reproductive rights ballot measures during Tuesday's midterm elections, delivering a largely successful night for abortion rights advocates. The results follow a record year for such measures in 2024 and reflect ongoing state-level battles since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Nevada enshrines abortion rights in constitution
Nevada voters approved Question 6, an amendment establishing a fundamental right to abortion through the second trimester. With 86% of votes counted, the measure led 62.3% to 37.7% when the Associated Press called the race. The amendment permits state regulation after fetal viability except when medically necessary to protect the life or health of the pregnant patient.
Virginia approves reproductive freedom amendment
Virginia voters also passed a constitutional amendment guaranteeing a fundamental right to reproductive freedom, protecting abortion access during the first two trimesters. The measure allows government regulation in the third trimester while preserving access to protect the life or health of the pregnant woman, and establishes rights to contraception and fertility care.
Missouri rejects effort to overturn 2024 protections
In Missouri, voters defeated Amendment 3 by a 55% to 45% margin. The Republican-led legislature had placed the measure on the ballot to repeal the constitutional right to reproductive freedom approved in 2024. The proposal would have banned abortion except in cases of rape, incest, or fetal anomalies during the first 12 weeks.
Idaho upholds abortion ban
Voters in Idaho, one of the nation's most conservative states, rejected an effort to repeal the state's abortion ban. The result leaves in place restrictions that took effect in 2022 after the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision.
Democratic victories in federal races
Reproductive rights advocates also celebrated Democratic wins in House and Senate races where candidates made reproductive healthcare a central issue. Organizations including Reproductive Freedom for All and the Center for Reproductive Rights hailed the results as a check on anti-abortion policies.
In Michigan, progressive doctor Abdul El-Sayed won a Senate race after emphasizing personal healthcare decisions and highlighting his opponent Mike Rogers' support for extreme abortion bans. In New Hampshire, Chris Pappas secured a Senate seat by focusing on opponent John Sununu's abortion record and support for Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito. In Georgia, Jon Ossoff won re-election after challenging Republican Mike Collins over his past support for a total abortion ban.
