PHOENIX (WSN) — In November, voters in Arizona and Montana will have the opportunity to decide if they want to enshrine the right to abortion in their state constitutions.
On Tuesday, the Arizona Supreme Court affirmed that a 200-word summary used by abortion advocates to gather signatures for a ballot measure was valid, allowing the issue to appear on the ballot. Meanwhile, Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen certified the state’s constitutional initiative for the November vote.
Both initiatives propose allowing abortions up to the point of fetal viability—typically around 24 weeks. Arizona’s measure includes some exceptions for post-viability abortions to protect the mother’s life or health, while Montana’s measure permits later abortions if necessary to safeguard the mother’s life or health.
Montana’s initiative aims to cement in the state constitution a 1999 Supreme Court ruling affirming that the right to privacy includes a patient’s right to an abortion from a provider of their choice. Supporters seek to safeguard this right in response to recent restrictive legislation from Republican lawmakers.
Across the U.S., voters in over a half-dozen states will decide on abortion-related measures this fall, following the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision that eliminated the nationwide right to abortion and prompted a shift to state-level voting.
Martha Fuller, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Montana, criticized the extreme anti-abortion tactics since Roe v. Wade was overturned and emphasized the importance of putting the issue to voters.
In recent court decisions, the Arizona Supreme Court has ruled that a legislative proposal allowing local police to make arrests near the Mexico border will appear on the ballot. Additionally, the court dismissed claims from Arizona Right to Life that the petition summary for the abortion measure was misleading.
Susan Haugland from Arizona Right to Life expressed disappointment but noted they would continue efforts to educate voters. In contrast, Arizona for Abortion Access celebrated the court’s decision as a significant victory and pledged to work tirelessly to garner voter support.
The Arizona Secretary of State’s office confirmed that 577,971 signatures were certified, exceeding the requirement to put the question to voters.
Abortion rights have become a central theme for Democrats since the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling, shaping their strategies in the upcoming elections.
