Dear John,

Now that almost all of the votes have been counted, one thing is clear: voters are rejecting anti-abortion measures and embracing protections for reproductive rights.

The 2022 midterm elections had a record number of state ballot measures regarding abortion. Spoiler alert, people turned out for abortion! Here are the results:

• California: California’s proposed amendment states that the California Constitution cannot interfere with someone’s reproductive freedom. PASSED
• Kentucky: Similar to the ballot measure in Kansas, Kentucky’s ballot measure would have declared that there is no right to abortion in the state constitution. REJECTED
• Michigan: Michigan’s ballot measure will amend its state constitution to confer a right to reproductive freedom to Michigan residents. PASSED
• Montana: Montana voters rejected this anti-abortion effort to criminalize health care providers and interfere with medical decisions. REJECTED
• Vermont: Vermont’s ballot initiative will amend the state constitution to ensure a right to “personal reproductive autonomy.” PASSED

Despite anti-democracy efforts to suppress the vote, voters still made it clear that they value reproductive freedom, bodily autonomy, and don’t want the government denying them abortion access. Every anti-abortion ballot measure failed this election cycle, and all measures aiming to protect abortion rights succeeded.

Let’s be clear: when we protect abortion, we protect other civil liberties as well. We will continue fighting to demand a new future where abortion care is available to everyone.

In solidarity,

Caitlin Panarella
she/her/hers
Campaigns Associate
National Women's Law Center

P.S. Check out our resource hub for updates!