Abortion Rights Win in Four States, but Lose in Florida’s Tight Vote

In a significant development for abortion rights, Missouri voters approved a constitutional amendment to roll back the state’s stringent abortion ban, marking the first time a state may undo an active prohibition since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
Meanwhile, Florida voters upheld a restrictive abortion measure, maintaining a six-week ban, in a notable setback for abortion rights advocates. These contrasting outcomes reflect deep divisions in U.S. abortion policy following the end of federal protections.
Missouri’s new amendment allows legislators to restrict abortions only after fetal viability, typically around 21 weeks, although existing bans remain until courts can enforce the change.
Rachel Sweet, campaign manager for Missourians for constitutional Freedom, stated, “Today, Missourians made history and sent a clear message: decisions around pregnancy, including abortion, birth control, and miscarriage care are personal and private and should be left up to patients and their families, not politicians.”
In a significant win for abortion opponents, Florida voters failed to pass an amendment that would have eased abortion restrictions, making it the first state since the fall of Roe v. Wade to reject such a measure. The amendment garnered strong support but fell short of the 60 percent needed to amend the state constitution.
The outcome serves as a political victory for Gov. Ron DeSantis, who directed GOP funds toward defeating the amendment.
Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of SBA Pro-Life America, celebrated it as “a momentous victory for life in Florida and for our entire country.” With this result, women seeking abortions in the South would have to travel to North Carolina or Virginia, where access remains available.
In Colorado and Maryland, voters passed measures protecting abortion rights, reinforcing both states’ status as secure havens for abortion access.
Colorado’s measure, which received over 55 percent support, opens the door for public funding of abortion services, overturning a previous amendment that barred such funding. This could expand access through Medicaid and government insurance plans.
Maryland’s amendment is more symbolic, enshrining abortion rights in a state where access is already protected. This reflects a growing trend among states seeking to codify abortion rights to guard against potential future restrictions.
New York passed an Equal Rights Amendment prohibiting discrimination based on “pregnancy outcomes,” a victory hailed by abortion rights advocates.
Although the amendment doesn’t mention abortion directly, supporters argue it strengthens protections for reproductive rights. Sasha Ahuja, campaign director for New Yorkers for Equal Rights, called it “a monumental victory for all New Yorkers,” adding that opposition forces used “misleading parental rights and anti-trans messages” to sway voters.
The votes in Missouri, Florida, and other states highlight the ongoing intensity of the national abortion debate. With nearly half voters considering abortion policy central to their choices, the issue remains a potent force in shaping both local and national politics. As legislative and judicial battles unfold, states will likely see continued clashes over access and restrictions.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press