Maryland voters have overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure that enshrines the right to abortion in the state’s constitution. The amendment states that the state may not interfere with this right unless justified by a compelling state interest achieved by the least restrictive means. This constitutional amendment was put on the ballot by Maryland lawmakers after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Known as “Ballot Question 1” or the “Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment,” the measure confirms the fundamental right to reproductive freedom around decisions to prevent, continue, or end a pregnancy. In a closely watched race for Maryland’s open U.S. Senate seat, Democratic projected winner Angela Alsobrooks emphasized her commitment to fighting for abortion rights.
Abortion rights were also on the ballot in other states, with Florida’s proposal to enshrine abortion rights in its constitution failing. According to preliminary results from the NBC News Exit Poll, 35% of U.S. voters said democracy mattered most to their vote, followed closely by the economy at 31%, with 14% prioritizing abortion as the next most important issue.
Maryland’s constitutional amendment solidifies the state’s existing laws protecting abortion rights and makes it significantly more challenging to change these laws in the future. This result marks a significant victory for abortion rights supporters in Maryland.
Source
Photo credit www.nbcwashington.com
