Voters in Arizona and Montana will have the opportunity to decide on whether to protect the right to an abortion in their respective state constitutions come November. The Arizona Supreme Court ruled that a 200-word summary used by abortion advocates to gather signatures for a ballot measure is valid, ensuring the issue will be on the ballot. In Montana, Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen certified the constitutional initiative for the November ballot.
Both measures propose allowing abortions until fetal viability, typically around 24 weeks, with exceptions for post-viability abortions in cases to save the mother’s life or protect her health. The Montana initiative seeks to memorialize a 1999 state Supreme Court ruling affirming the right to privacy includes the right to receive an abortion. This initiative is a response to Republican-led efforts to impose restrictions on abortion rights.
Seeking to address the void left by the 2022 Supreme Court ruling that ended the nationwide right to abortion, several states will have abortion-related measures on their fall ballots. Martha Fuller, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Montana, highlighted the impact of overturning Roe v. Wade, stating that anti-abortion politicians have been attempting to curb freedoms. Abortion advocates have been rallying for voters to have a say on the matter.
The recent decisions by the Arizona Supreme Court came just before a Thursday ballot printing deadline, with the rulings clarifying language on ballot measures. Despite challenges from various groups, the court upheld the petition summary for the proposed abortion amendment, emphasizing that disputes over describing ballot provisions are not within its purview.
Groups on both sides of the abortion debate are gearing up for intense campaigning leading to the elections. Arizona for Abortion Access hailed the court’s decision as a significant victory and pledged to work tirelessly in advocating for voter support. Conversely, Arizona Right to Life expressed plans to collaborate with pro-life partners to educate voters on their perspective.
The contentious issue of abortion rights has become a central theme for Democrats since the 2022 Supreme Court decision, shaping their focus in the upcoming elections. The Arizona secretary of state’s office confirmed a substantial number of signatures supporting the initiative, far exceeding the required threshold for the question to appear on the ballot.
