from States Newsroom
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By Elisha Brown |
Volunteers pass boxes of signatures supporting an initiative to end Idaho’s abortion ban on July 2, 2026. Abortion is also on the ballot in Missouri, Nevada and Virginia. (Photo by Abigail Gerstein/Idaho Capital Sun)
It’s Election Day. Americans in four states will vote on abortion-related ballot measures today.
Here’s a primer on what the proposed constitutional amendments would do if approved:
IDAHO
Abortion is broadly banned in Idaho with few exceptions. Proposition 1, a citizen-led initiative, would enshrine the right to an abortion up to fetal viability, or later in the case of a medical emergency. The measure would also secure the right to make personal decisions about birth control, fertility treatments, pregnancy and related reproductive healthcare. And it would protect health providers from civil and criminal liabilities.
MISSOURI
Missouri voters approved a reproductive rights amendment in 2024, but the Republican-controlled legislature last year passed a resolution asking voters to ban most abortions. Amendment 3 would prohibit abortion except in cases of medical emergencies, fetal anomalies, and rape or incest if a patient is under 12 weeks’ gestation. The measure also would ban gender-affirming care for minors.
NEVADA
Nevada allows abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy or later for emergencies. Question 6 would instead establish a right to an abortion up to fetal viability, with exceptions later if a person’s life or health is at risk. More than 60% of voters approved this measure in 2024 already, but Nevada law requires potential amendments to be endorsed by voters twice before they’re added to the state constitution.
VIRGINIA
Virginia has the broadest abortion access in the South, but second-trimester abortions must be performed in hospitals and third-trimester abortions are only allowed if three doctors agree it’s necessary to protect a patient’s health. Amendment 1 would solidify the right to abortion, childbirth, pregnancy care and fertility treatments. It also would shield healthcare providers from punishment and nix the three-doctor approval rule.
THE BEAT
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway speaks at a Yes on 3 rally hosted by Her Health, Her Future, on Oct. 27, 2026, at Encounter Church in Arnold. (Photo by Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)
MISSOURI
Final pitch over Missouri abortion ban turns to fight over voter power: Supporters and opponents of an anti-abortion ballot measure are linking the referendum to larger battles over political interference, redistricting and dark money groups. Abortion foes say banning abortion would defy out-of-state interests. Backers of reproductive rights say rejecting the ban would send a warning sign to Republicans against overturning the will of voters. — Missouri Independent
IDAHO
Federal appeals court upholds Idaho’s penalties amid legal challenge to state’s abortion ban: A federal appeals court ruled 2-1 against a doctor who sued Idaho to be able to provide abortions when a patient’s physical or mental health is at risk. Two judges said the provider’s request likely doesn’t align with the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling overturning Roe v. Wade. The dissenting judge said that decision only applied to elective abortions, not medically necessary ones. — Idaho Capital Sun
VIRGINIA
If Virginians approve reproductive rights amendment, a hearing is already set to challenge it: A conservative group has already mounted a legal challenge to a proposed reproductive rights amendment in Virginia if voters approve it Tuesday. Founding Freedoms Law Center argues that the process the Democratic-led legislature used to pass the resolution was improper and said the ballot language is misleading. A hearing in the case is set for Nov. 13. — Virginia Mercury
SOUTH CAROLINA
South Carolina’s abortion ban has ‘serious problems,’ federal judge says: A federal judge said a South Carolina law banning most abortions after six weeks is vague and potentially unconstitutional. His statements came after the end of a three-day trial stemming from a lawsuit brought by doctors who sued over the ban. He said the law could be fixed if the legislature adds a clause that protects doctors who are acting in good faith so they won’t fear prosecution. — South Carolina Daily Gazette
THE PULSE
ID: Chrissy Teigen joins Idaho women who needed abortions in final push for ballot initiative | Stateline
MI: Michigan state lawmaker calls Haley Stevens’ endorsement of Mike Rogers a ‘betrayal’ of reproductive rights | Michigan Advance
OK: Oklahoma leaders seek dismissal of lawsuit challenging state abortion bans | KOSU
NV: On abortion rights, Nevada offers a perfect snapshot of the midterms | Mother Jones
ABORTION ACCESS IN THE U.S.
Track state-level developments on reproductive rights anytime at News From The States. Send tips and thoughts to ✉️ [email protected], and follow her on Bluesky @elishabrown.
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