How Abortion Laws Changed On Tuesday

On Election Night, abortion was on the ballot in 10 states. Seven chose to protect or expand abortion access, while three voted against it.

Pro-Choice Protections: Measures to pass abortion protections passed in Montana, New York, Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, and Nevada. In Montana, New York, Colorado, Maryland and Nevada, abortion is already legal, but the measures provide constitutional protection. In Colorado, the amendment increased access for those on Medicaid or government employees with health insurance through work. Nevada's measure must pass again in the next general election to be enshrined in its constitution. The measures will affect changes in the laws in Arizona and Missouri. Missouri currently has a near-total abortion ban, which will be overturned, and Arizona has a ban after 15 weeks. Both will now move to 24 weeks.

Pro-Life States: Measures to pass abortion protections failed in Florida, Nebraska, and South Dakota. In South Dakota, a near-total ban will remain in place. Nebraska voted on two measures, one to protect abortion until fetal viability and one to ban abortion after the first trimester (12 weeks); the latter measure passed. Florida's ban after six weeks will remain in place after a measure to protect abortion until viability failed with 57% of the vote. While most states need a simple majority for their measures to pass, Florida requires 60%.

How the Media Covered It: Outlets on both sides covered Florida's measure. Outlets on the left also extensively covered victories in the states with new protections. The Daily Caller (Right bias) ran the headline, "‘Victory For Life’: Red States Hold Off Pro-Abortion Sweep In Ballot Initiatives."