In an election cycle full of vitriol, one thing shines through. People in the U.S. — for the most part — want the government out of reproductive choices. While hardcore fetus fetishists still clamor for a nationwide abortion ban, people in seven states voted to ensure the right to choose.
Of the ten states that featured ballot measures on abortion rights, seven of them — Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, and New York — were successful in securing abortion access for their citizens.
Efforts failed in the other three states —Florida, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Though 57.14% of Florida voters supported their constitutional amendment, it fell short of the 60% required to pass.
There is a key takeaway from the elections — the understanding that this issue has bipartisan support. Many voters crossed party lines to support their state initiatives. Kamala Harris tied her campaign to the issue, but even states that went for Trump — Arizona, Missouri, Montana, and Nevada — upheld abortion rights.
Clearly people see control over one’s own body as a fundamental right. The issue of bodily autonomy is not a political plaything that belongs to one party. It is a life-or-death need. Republicans sensed they’d gone too far and held their fire on abortion, but roared back with vicious attacks on the trans community.
Once elected, right-wing politicians will continue pursuing misogynist and bigoted policies. Abortion access should not be tied to the state a person lives in. The battle continues for state and national protections enshrining these rights.
