Constitutional amendments are an extreme way to change laws in a state. In fact, many states do not allow for these citizen-initiated constitutional amendments. Of the 50 states, 10 states have an amendment on the ballot. Many of these states require only a 50% +1 majority for these amendments to pass, while others require the ballot measure to receive at least 60%. With this in mind, pro-abortion activists are targeting otherwise pro-life states like South Dakota and Florida, because they believe they can get a simple majority of voters to go along with their ambiguous amendments.

Over the next year, we are likely to see the initiatives become more and more aggressive in their approach. All of these amendments are saturated in language that is obscure and misleading. Discover the red flags to look for to equip you, your organization, and your family this Fall. You can find the details for each of these upcoming ballot initiatives below. As the coalitions to support or counter these amendments form, we will be adding more information so that you can stay informed. You can also find a full list of the upcoming issues on Ballotpedia or AUL.

ARIZONA  |  COLORADO   |   FLORIDA   |   MARYLAND   |   MISSOURI  |  MONTANA  |  NEBRASKA  |  NEW YORK   |   NEVADA   |   

SOUTH DAKOTA   |   PENDING

On the Ballot in 2024

ARIZONA

Amendment: Arizona Proposition 139, Right to Abortion Initiative (2024)

Result: ❌ Passed - Pro-Life loss.

Key points:

This amendment would establish abortion as a "fundamental right" and permit abortions up to viability, and cannot be interfered with unless there's a compelling state interest. While "viability" and "state interest" are defined in the amendment, it's unclear who would be permitted to determine viability, and it would abolish the state's current abortion that permits abortion up to 15 weeks.

Next steps:

• Share this page with your community and supporters
• Contact your state's coalition for more:

Arizona Life Coalition
4633 N 54th St
Phoenix, AZ 85018
George Khalaf
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
602-730-5004

Resources:

• www.itgoestoofar.com
• www.azpolicy.org
• www.aul.org/law-and-policy/state-spotlight/
• AbortionBallot.com

Back to top

COLORADO

55% supermajority is required.

Amendment: Colorado Right to Abortion Initiative

Result: ❌ Passed - Pro-Life loss.

Key points:

This would enshrine abortion in the state's constitution as a legal right, to include medical insurance coverage. Currently, Colorado has no time restrictions on abortion. Allowing abortion to be covered under government-issued insurance programs would mean that taxpayers would help fund abortion procedures.

Next steps:

• Share this page with your community and supporters
• Contact your state's coalition for more:

Colorado Pregnancy Care Alliance
Rich Bennett
https://co-pca.org
https://co-pca.org/membership

Resource:

• www.righttoknowco.com
• www.aul.org/law-and-policy/state-spotlight/

Back to top

FLORIDA

60% supermajority is required.

Amendment: Florida Prohibit Laws Restricting Abortion Initiative

Result: ✅ Failed - Pro-Life Win!

Key points:

The deceptive language in this amendment would enshrine abortion into the state's constitution while leaving the terms "viability" and "healthcare provider" undefined. Included is another exception to permit abortions for the woman's health, yet it fails to explain the parameters of how a "healthcare provider" can make that determination. Guised as an initiative to limit government interference, this amendment leaves women even more vulnerable and without adequate medical care.

Next steps:

• Know the Truth about Amendment 4
• Educate yourself on the language within
• AbortionBallot.com
• Share this page with your community and supporters
• Contact your state's coalitions for more:

Florida Pregnancy Care Network
1424 Piedmont Dr E
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Rita Gigliano
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
850-656-6245

Florida Baptist Children's Homes
1015 Sikes Blvd
Lakeland, FL 33815
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Pregnancy and Family Resource Alliance (PAFRA)
1910 East Bay Dr
Largo, FL 33771
Darla Huddleston
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
727-451-6977

Resources:

• https://apologetics.org/know-the-truth-download/
• https://votenoon4florida.com/
• https://keepfloridaprolife.org/
• www.aul.org/law-and-policy/state-spotlight/

Back to top

MARYLAND

Amendment: Maryland Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment

Result: ❌ Passed - Pro-Life loss.

Key points:

This proposed amendment would legalize abortion up to birth by adding a new article to the state's Declaration of Rights. In its attempt to preserve "an individual's rights to liberty and equality," it fails to include the same rights for the lives of the unborn.

Next steps:

• Share this page with your community and supporters
• Contact your state's coalitions for more:

Pregnancy Clinic Ministry
934 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
Pamela Palumbo
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
410-431-5000

Resources:

• www.aul.org/law-and-policy/state-spotlight/

Back to top

MISSOURI

Amendment: Missouri Amendment 3, Right to Reproductive Freedom Initiative (2024)

Result: ❌ Passed - Pro-Life loss.

Key points:

Another amendment using the deceptive text "reproductive freedom," would permit abortion up to viability, with a request of the state to regulate abortions from viability up to birth. Disguised as women's "healthcare," the Amendment's broad language is a stark example of Big- Abortion's extreme agenda and practices. This Amendment would leave women and children more vulnerable to abuse than ever before.

Next steps:

• Share this page with your community and supporters
• Contact your state's coalition for more:

Alliance for Life
487 SW Ward Rd
Lees Summit, MO 64081
Marsha Middleton
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
816-806-4168

Resources:

• www.aul.org/law-and-policy/state-spotlight/ 
• AbortionBallot.com
• www.mo3facts.com

Back to top

MONTANA

Amendment: Montana CI-128, Right to Abortion Initiative (2024)

Result: ❌ Passed - Pro-Life loss.

Key points:

This amendment would make abortion an "explicit constitutional right," permitting abortions up to birth with government regulation from the point of viability. It would also protect women who have abortions from any ramifications, including anyone who facilitated her having an abortion. That means that people complicit in pressuring, coercing, or forcing her to abort her baby would be legally protected by law.

Next steps:

• Share this page with your community and supporters
• Contact your state's coalition for more:

Women's Health Network
1005 Partridge Pl #1
Helena, MT 59602
Tracey Ullrey
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
406-422-1011

Resource:

• www.montanafamily.org/call_to_action/
• www.aul.org/law-and-policy/state-spotlight/
• Abortionballot.com/

Back to top

NEBRASKA x2

1 - Amendment: Proposition 434 

Result: ✅ Passed - Pro-Life Win!

Key points:

This proposed amendment to Nebraska's constitution would limit abortion after the first trimester of pregnancy except when medically necessary or in cases of sexual assault or incest.

2- Amendment: Proposition 439 Nebraska Right to Abortion Initiative (2024)

Result: ✅ Failed - Pro-Life Win!

Key points: 

This proposed amendment to Nebraska's constitution would create a right to abortion until fetal viability or when needed to protect the life or health of a pregnant woman.

Next steps:

• Share this page with your community and supporters
• Contact your state's coalition for more:

Nebraska Pregnancy Care Alliance
Jennifer A. Gutierrez, MA
CEO
(402) 499-2401

Resources:

• www.aul.org/law-and-policy/state-spotlight/ 
• Abortionballot.com/

Back to top

NEW YORK

Amendment: New York Equal Protection of Law Amendment

Result: ❌ Passed - Pro-Life loss.

Key points:

Perhaps the most deceptive in its language, the NY Equal Protection of Law Amendment aims at eradicating discrimination while simultaneously including reproductive health autonomy. The latter inclusion means that there would be no exceptions or time restrictions for abortion.

Next steps:

• Share this page with your community and supporters
• Contact your state's coalitions for more:

The New York State Coalition for Life (formerly known as the Pregnancy Care Conference)
Kathy Jerman
https://www.nyscoalitionforlife.com
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Resources:

• www.aul.org/law-and-policy/state-spotlight/

Back to top

NEVADA

Amendment: Nevada Right to Abortion Initiative

Result: ❌ Passed - Pro-Life loss. Requires approval at two successive general elections, this is the first of those two.

Key points:

This proposed amendment would permit abortion up to viability or the health of the mother. While it defines viability as "the point of pregnancy when 'there is a significant likelihood of the fetus' sustained survival outside the uterus without the application of extraordinary medical measures...'" this is a loose definition at best. The ambiguous definition of the term "viability" inadvertently places the life of an unborn child in the hands of a doctor's opinion.

Next steps:

• Share this page with your community and supporters

Resources:
• www.aul.org/law-and-policy/state-spotlight/
• Abortionballot.com/

Back to top

SOUTH DAKOTA

Amendment: Constitutional Amendment G - Right to Abortion Initiative

Result: ✅ Failed - Pro-Life Win!

Key points:

This proposed amendment would enshrine abortion in the state's constitution so that there are no regulations against abortion in the entire first trimester and an exception for abortion when a woman's health is at risk in the second trimester. In the third trimester, an abortion decision is the judgment of a "medical professional." This vague language leaves abortion permissible up to birth as long as a medical professional permits.

Next steps:

• Share this page with your community and supporters
• Contact Life Defense Fund to learn more:

Life Defense Fund
      - LDF has an active campaign against Amendment G!

Resource:

• www.familyheritagealliance.org/
• www.aul.org/law-and-policy/state-spotlight/
• Abortionballot.com/

Back to top

Pending Ballot Measures

Tracking Legislation Across the Pro-Life Spectrum in all 50 States - American's United for Life

Relate Care Clinic

Grand Forks, ND

Relate Care Clinic is a faith-based, non-profit organization in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Located on the North Dakota/Minnesota border, we serve men, women, and families from both states. Our Registered Nurses provide pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, abortion pill reversal, community referrals, and STI/STD testing and treatment at no cost to our clients.  Relate Care also provides prenatal and parent education classes through our Earn While You Learn mentorship program.  We strive to provide a safe, confidential, pressure-free environment where our clients feel validated, supported, and empowered.

Watch the stories of the lives impacted by Relate Care Clinic below!

Align Pregnancy Services

Lancaster, Lebanon, Columbia, and Ephrata, PA

Align Pregnancy Services offers free ultrasounds and pregnancy tests, prenatal and parenting education, material assistance, options education, and post-abortion support. We serve approximately 300 clients each month in Lebanon & Lancaster counties (Pennsylvania).  Align is passionate about sharing the gospel and the love of Christ with our clients. We are honored to serve our local communities and to support men & women facing unintended pregnancies – speaking the truth of God’s Word and providing support to walk with them in their current season of life.

Watch a story of one of the lives impacted by Align Pregnancy Services below!

The stories below represent just a small glimpse into the impact of pregnancy help organizations throughout the nation. Many are stories of women who overcame challenges through the help of the pregnancy help movement by receiving support and care, and in some cases, even a roof over their heads. Pregnancy centers and maternity homes save lives every day through their services!

You can find a pregnancy center in your area simply by putting in your city and state or zip code in Option Line's center locater tool here!

To find out more about the pregnancy help network in your state, along with key contacts, just select your state on the map here!

Alabama

• Women's Resource Center in Mobile, AL - "Pregnancy resource centers minister to mothers who have miscarried"

Arizona

• Life Choices Women’s Clinic in Phoenix, AZ - Laura Lysek Spagur
• Living Hope Dream Centers in Show Low, AZ - Marcella's Story
• Reachout Women's Center in Tuscon, AZ - "Arizona pregnancy medical clinic celebrates 50 years of pregnancy help"
• First Way Pregnancy Center in Phoenix, AZ - "Pregnancy centers help clients celebrate life during Christmas"
• Living Hope Centers in Springerville, AZ - "Pregnancy centers step up to impact of crisis at U.S. southern border"

Arkansas

California

• Fallbrook Pregnancy Resource Center in Fallbrook, CA - Jessica Helling
• CAPS Pregnancy Clinics in San Diego, CA - Sarah Seely
• A Women’s Care Center in La Puente, CA - Michelle Murphy
• Foothills Pregnancy Resource Center in Duarte, CA - Brittany and Nathaniel's Story
• Bakersfield Pregnancy Center in Bakersfield, CA - "Pregnancy centers step up to impact of crisis at U.S. southern border"

Colorado

• The Resource Center in Greeley, CO
• Bella Health and Wellness in Englewood, CO - "Court protects Catholic healthcare clinic’s care for pregnant women in need"
• Life Choices in Longmont, CO - "Arson at Colorado pregnancy center still unsolved; FBI offers major reward for leads"

Connecticut

• Carolyn's Place in Waterbury, CT - "Pregnancy centers help clients celebrate life during Christmas"

Florida

• Heartbeat of Miami Pregnancy Help Medical Clinic in Miami, FL - Mapi and Marella
• Essential Pregnancy Center in Palm Bay, FL. - "Pregnancy centers help clients celebrate life during Christmas"
• Community Pregnancy Clinics Inc. in Naples, FL. - "After ‘I messed up so bad,’ pregnancy resource center made all the difference"
• JMJ Pregnancy Center in Orlando, FL. - "Pro-life pregnancy center attacked with ‘ritualistic’ vandalism: mutilated animal bodies"

Indiana

• Heartline Pregnancy Center in Warsaw, IN - Emily Behny
• Braverly Women's Heath (Matrix LifeCenter) in Lafayette, IN - Khalilah's Story
• The Hope Clinic in Decatur, IN - "Post-abortive mom chooses life, tells moms facing unplanned pregnancy: “You can do it”"
• First Choice Pregnancy Center in Indianapolis, IN - "Pregnancy centers step up to impact of crisis at U.S. southern border"
• RETA (Reason Enough to Act) Pregnancy Clinic and Family Resources in Elkhart, IN - "Indiana pregnancy medical clinic celebrates 1st anniversary in new location after 32 years, expands space and services"

Iowa

• Cradle of Hope in Mount Pleasant, Iowa - "Iowa pregnancy help center opens mother’s home"

Kansas

Kentucky

• Clarity Solutions in Elizabethtown, KY - "Celebration and vision: Kentucky center expands services with maternity home"

Louisiana

• Woman’s New Life Clinic in New Orleans, LA - "Marking 20 years, Louisiana pregnancy medical clinic continues meeting women’s needs with life-affirming care"

Maryland

• Women's Clinic (Bowie Pregnancy Clinic) in Bowie, MD - Victoria's Story
• Women’s Clinic in Severna Park, MD - "Maryland pregnancy clinic’s unique prayer room highlights the power of persistent prayer"
• Cecil County Pregnancy Center in Elkton, MD - "Pro-Lifers Transform "Little Shop of Horrors" Abortion Mill into Life-Saving Center"

Michigan

• Spero Pregnancy Center (Blue Water Pregnancy Care Center) in Port Huron, MI - Elisa and Lissy's Story
• Pregnancy Aid Detroit in Detroit, MI - "Pregnancy centers help clients celebrate life during Christmas"
• Pregnancy Aid Detroit in Detroit, MI - "Threatening messages spray-painted on home of pro-life pregnancy center board member"
• Lennon Pregnancy Center in Dearborn, MI - "“Steadfast and committed” – Pregnancy help clinic undaunted by pro-abortion vandalism"
• Helping Hands Pregnancy Resource Center in Hillsdale, MI - "Baby formula shortage: Pro-life pregnancy centers offer aid to moms"
• Crossroads Care Center in Auburn Hills, MI - "After Her Baby Survived a Chemical Abortion, A Pregnancy Center Was There to Help Her Choose Life"
• West Shore Pregnancy and Family Support in Ludington, MI - "Survey Says: Michigan Pregnancy Center Listening, Acting"
• Care Pregnancy Center in Lenawee, MI - "Michigan Center Rolls Out $1 Million Capital Campaign"
• New Life Pregnancy Resource Center in Gaylord, MI - "30 Years Later, Pregnancy Center Still Celebrating 'New Life'"
• Pregnancy Help Clinic in Brighton, MI - "At the Intersection of Life-Saving Help, Child Well-Being"

New Jersey

• Lighthouse Pregnancy Center in Hackensack, NJ - "Dem Congressman targets New Jersey pregnancy centers with falsehoods"
• Bridge Women’s Center in NJ - "New center director taking pregnancy help on the road in New Jersey"
• Several Sources Shelters in Ramsey, NJ - "New Jersey pregnancy help organization celebrates 40-year history and ‘season of renewal’"

New York

• Willow Network (Care Net Pregnancy Centers of CNY) of New Hartford, NY- Kailee Perrin
• Women First Pregnancy Options in Hempstead, NY - "Pregnancy centers help clients celebrate life during Christmas"
• Women First Pregnancy Options Long Island, NY - "Pregnancy centers step up to impact of crisis at U.S. southern border"

North Carolina

• Compassion Care Center in Yadkinville, NC - Chelsea
• Life Line Pregnancy Help Center in Elkin, NC - April
• Hand of Hope Pregnancy Resource Center in Fuquay Varina, NC - Paula's Story
• Hand of Hope Pregnancy Resource Center in Fuquay Varina, NC - Brittany and Noah's Story
• Your Choice Pregnancy Resource Center in Rocky Mount, NC - Halie Hale
• Cry Freedom Missions / Wayne Pregnancy Center Goldsboro, NC - "Cry Freedom Missions expands to fight multi-billion-dollar scourge of human trafficking"
• Life Line Pregnancy Help Center in Elkin, NC - "“I Chose Life and God Changed Mine”: One Woman’s Story of Finding Unexpected Joy in a Crisis Pregnancy"

North Dakota

• Relate Care Clinic in Grand Forks, ND

Ohio

• Elizabeth's New Life Center in Dayton, OH - Evalynn and Hezekiah
• Women's Center of Lebanon, OH - Nadya's Story
• Elizabeth's New Life Center in Dayton, OH - Magalia Frazier
• Pregnancy Decision Health Centers in Columbus, OH - Whitney Wall
• Pregnancy Decision Health Centers in Columbus, OH - Kynnedi Brown
• Pregnancy Care Center of Wayne Co., Inc. in Wooster, OH - Ruth and Victor's Story
• Pregnancy Decision Health Centers in Columbus, OH - "Pregnancy centers support new moms in choosing life"
• Akron Pregnancy Services in Canton and Akron, OH - "Growing pregnancy services in Ohio cities offer restoration and hope"
• Pregnancy Care Center of Wayne Co., Inc. in Wooster, OH - "Jail ministry gives moms a new start"

South Carolina

• The Place of Healing in Darlington, SC - "South Carolina maternity home prepares to serve its first five teen moms"
• Carolina Pregnancy Center in Spartanburg, SC - "Meet the Center That's Become a Destination for GOP Hopefuls"
• Lowcountry Pregnancy Center in Charleston, SC - "Charleston Center Coming Alongside Grieving Mother"

Tennessee

• Crossroads Pregnancy Clinic in Fayetteville, TN - "“Beautiful example of what it looks like to overcome” – another mom receives Unplanned Movie Scholarship"
• Hope Center Greenville, TN - "Single mom credits pregnancy help center for life-changing support"

Texas

• Real Options in Allen and Melissa, TX - Kylie and Zoe
• Houston Fifth Ward Pregnancy Help Center Houston, TX - Janai
• Next Step Women's Center (Burleson Pregnancy Aid Center)Burleson, TX - Jessica Gore
• Open Door of Eastland Co. And Breckenridge in Cisco, TX - Michelle Bisbee
• Paris Pregnancy Care CenterHouston, TX - April Horton
• Her Heart Pregnancy Help Center in Manvel, TX - "“We received so much help from Heartbeat” – Texas start-up pregnancy center begins saving lives"
• Agape Pregnancy Center in Austin, TX - "Pregnancy centers step up to impact of crisis at U.S. southern border"

Virginia

• Blue Ridge Women’s Center in Roanoke, VA - "“I Chose Life and God Changed Mine”: One Woman’s Story of Finding Unexpected Joy in a Crisis Pregnancy"
• Paul Stefan Home in Locust Grove, VA - Danielle and Lei’Lani
• CareNet Pregnancy Resource Centers in Manassas, VA - Lourdes Blanco and Sophia
• Mary’s Shelter in Fredricksburg, VA and Paul Stefan Home in Locust Grove, VA- "'Shifted my whole life': Two Virginia mothers reflect on how maternity homes saved them and their children"
• Blue Ridge Women’s Center in Roanoke, VA - "Inside a pregnancy center that pro-abortion vandals attacked"
• Virginia Pregnancy Center Association 2022 Community Impact Report2022 Community Impact Report

Washington

Red Flags

As we watch the pro-abortion strategy to enshrine abortion into law in Ohio, we can learn what to watch for as we move forward into the 2024 election season. Their overly broad language is intentionally crafted to appear benign; while in reality, its impact will undo decades of work and even the most basic of protections for women and their unborn babies.

Terms such as "health," "individual," "burden," and "miscarriage care" should be red flags to us whenever we see them in upcoming constitutional amendments regarding "reproductive freedom." If we compare the pro-abortion talking points to the pro-life responses on Ohio's Issue 1, we can see where each of these phrases is used to obscure the true intent of allowing abortion up and through all nine months of pregnancy.

Limits on Abortion

• Pro-Abortion – “...abortion may be prohibited after fetal viability. But in no case may such an abortion be prohibited if in the professional judgment of the pregnant patient’s treating physician it is necessary to protect the pregnant patient’s life or health.”¹
• Pro-Life – “In U.S. law, “health” includes age or physical, emotional, or psychological well-being. This means a woman’s age or emotional health could be cited to justify aborting a full-term baby. An abortion-providing physician would decide when a baby could survive outside the womb, leaving no clear protections for preborn children."²

The amendment states that “abortion may be prohibited after fetal viability” but the treating physician, which would likely be the abortionist, can perform the abortion if it is “necessary to protect the pregnant patient’s life or health.” The term “health” has been legally determined to mean not just physical, but also emotional, psychological, financial, and so much more. This gives any abortionist who is being paid for the abortion the freedom to perform the abortion up and through the ninth month of pregnancy as long as they believe it is best for the woman.

Bottom line, this amendment seeks to strike down every limit on abortion in Ohio law and prevent lawmakers from passing any new protections.

Parental Rights

• Pro-Abortion – “Ohio law requires young people to get parental consent before getting an abortion or any medical procedure, and Issue 1 does not change that.”³
• Pro-Life – “The initiative's language uses the legal term "individual," which does not differentiate between adults and minors. An "individual" legally refers to citizens of all ages—nullifying parents' rights to stop their children from making harmful decisions."⁴

The amendment was written with intentionally broad language. The term “individual” legally refers to people of all ages, and therefore if the amendment were to be passed, parental notification laws in Ohio would be struck down.

Furthermore, the amendment states that the State "shall not, directly or indirectly, burden, penalize, prohibit, interfere with, or discriminate against…a person or entity that assists an individual exercising this right.” This would protect those who may be coercing a woman into an abortion, or even attempting to cover up sexual assault of a minor.

Health and Safety Standards

• Pro-Abortion – The amendment summary states the State "shall not, directly or indirectly, burden, penalize, prohibit, interfere with, or discriminate against either an individual’s voluntary exercise of this right or a person or entity that assists an individual exercising this right…”⁵
• Pro-Life – “Health and safety standards in Ohio could be eliminated. Doctors could no longer need to examine a woman or explain the risks of the abortion procedure ahead of time."⁶ And current Ohio laws "require abortion providers to explain procedure risks and ensure access to hospital transfer if needed. These health and safety standards could be seen as a “burden” and be eliminated, making it even less safe for women seeking an abortion.”⁷

Due to the overly broad language that the State "shall not, directly or indirectly, burden, penalize, prohibit, interfere with, or discriminate against…a person or entity that assists an individual exercising this right,” it is highly likely that current state health and safety standards, like transfer agreements, will be struck down by the courts if this amendment were to pass. In the past, the standard of "undue burden" set by the Supreme Court in Planned Parenthood vs. Casey was often used to limit the protections put in place by states. The courts would weigh if the laws were overly burdensome to women seeking abortions. However, with this amendment, they have removed the word "undue, " meaning that they could strike down any law that hinders a woman from seeking an abortion, even if they are there for her safety.

Miscarriage Care

• Pro-Abortion – Miscarriage care is included in the amendment as one of the protected “reproductive decisions.”⁸
• Pro-Life – “The passing or failure of Issue 1 will have no effect on the care a pregnant woman receives when her life is in danger, even if the treatment results in the loss of life of her unborn child. There is a fundamental difference between an elective abortion and the care provided after a miscarriage or for ectopic pregnancies. Women can always receive lifesaving treatment, including in Catholic hospitals. No law restricts this care in Ohio or any other state in the country."⁹

The inclusion of “miscarriage care” in the list of protected “reproductive decisions” in the amendment is intended to further promulgate the lie that abortion bans also restrict women from accessing miscarriage care or treatment for ectopic pregnancies. No law regulating or banning abortion has ever restricted access to miscarriage treatment or lifesaving measures. The pro-abortion activists hope that by insinuating that miscarriage care might be limited, they can scare voters into passing their amendment out of fear.

By educating ourselves on the actual effects of these constitutional amendments, we can better educate our friends and supporters who are being bombarded with misinformation. Terms like "health," "individual," "burden," and "miscarriage care" should raise red flags for anyone concerned about the protection of the unborn and the wellbeing of women. As we can see, the proposed amendment in Ohio seeks to eliminate every limit on abortion, infringe upon parental rights, compromise health and safety standards, and spread misinformation about the accessibility of miscarriage care. By staying informed and countering misinformation, we can ensure that our democratic processes uphold the values and protections we hold dear as we head into the 2024 election season.

Additional Resources

• Greater Columbus Right to Life Talking Points
• Ohio Catholic Conference – Where Does it Say That?
• Ohio Catholic Conference Issue 1 FAQ
• Ohio Right to Life Issue 1 Talking Points
• Protect Women Ohio Issue 1 – Read it for Yourself

¹ https://ohioansunitedforreproductiverights.win/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/OURR-Amendment.pdf
² https://www.ohiocathconf.org/Portals/1/Protect%20Them%20Both/Campaign%20Materials/Where%20Does%20It%20Say%20That_English.pdf
³ https://ohiofamiliesdecide.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw7JOpBhCfARIsAL3bobfufIeLFXFzFw8AXYPndBt4krjJOqy5bFdPEPBYUt7wzqtsBZbLJa0aAv-PEALw_wcB
⁴ https://ohiolife.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ballot-initiative-talking-points-FINAL-8.5-%C3%97-11-in-3-1.pdf
⁵ https://ohioansunitedforreproductiverights.win/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/OURR-Amendment.pdf
⁶ https://www.ohiocathconf.org/Portals/1/Protect%20Them%20Both/FAQ%20on%20Issue%201_English%20and%20Spanish_9.23.pdf
⁷ https://www.ohiocathconf.org/Portals/1/Protect%20Them%20Both/Campaign%20Materials/Where%20Does%20It%20Say%20That_English.pdf
⁸ https://ohioansunitedforreproductiverights.win/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/OURR-Amendment.pdf
⁹ https://www.ohiocathconf.org/Portals/1/Protect%20Them%20Both/FAQ%20on%20Issue%201_English%20and%20Spanish_9.23.pdf

Opposition Strategy

The overturning of Roe was a fantastic victory for the pro-life movement, a turning point in the fight to protect life. Many of us were excited to turn our focus to our states to pass legislation protecting preborn babies. However, we are now seeing a concerning trend where pro-abortion activists are attempting to accomplish locally what they failed to do federally, place the "right" to abortion into the constitution.

These efforts began in abortion-friendly states like California and Vermont in 2021, but now, traditionally pro-life states are being targeted. Ohio is one of the first, with Issue 1 on the ballot for November 2023, and there could be up to six state initiatives of this kind in 2024.

By amending state constitutions, pro-abortion groups can bypass pro-life majority state legislatures that would never support removing all protections for women and allowing abortion through all nine months of pregnancy. Using ballot initiatives, they can write incredibly broad language that is misleading to voters. Big Abortion hides behind the ambiguity and statements of "reproductive freedom" in an attempt to obscure the true impacts of the amendments.

In Ohio, for example, the amendment states that:

"Every individual has a right to make and carry out one’s own reproductive decisions..."

The authors intentionally use the term "individual" to ensure that the amendment applies to minors and will remove all laws regarding parental notification.

The proposed amendment also states:

"Abortion may be prohibited after fetal viability. But in no case may such an abortion be prohibited if in the professional judgment of the pregnant patient’s treating physician it is necessary to protect the pregnant patient’s life or health."

While this may at first seem like Ohio would be able to pass a law prohibiting abortions after viability, the addition of the word "health" allows the physician to perform an abortion for essentially any reason. They could easily claim that the abortion was necessary for the betterment of her mental health. (The full text of the proposed amendment can be found here.)

Another issue with this strategy is that the process of reversing constitutional amendments is difficult and highly costly. In 2022, the campaigns for and against Michigan's Proposal 3, the Right to Reproductive Freedom Initiative, spent over 68 million dollars. The pro-abortion groups won after spending almost 48 million dollars, and the pro-life advocates spent just over 21 million. Campaigns of this magnitude cannot be run year after year, and pro-abortion groups understand this. They know if they can pass one amendment, it will likely prevent that state from restricting abortion in any way for many years to come, and the pro-life majority legislatures can do nothing to change that.

Constitutional amendments are an extreme way to change laws in a state. In fact, many states do not allow for these citizen-initiated constitutional amendments. Of the 50 states, there are only 18 in which citizens can gather signatures to place an amendment onto the ballot. Many of these states require only a 50% +1 majority for these amendments to pass, while others require the ballot measure to receive at least 60%. With this in mind, pro-abortion activists are targeting otherwise pro-life states like Missouri, South Dakota, and Ohio, because they believe they can get a simple majority of voters to go along with their ambiguous amendments.

To overcome these attacks on life, it is important that we fully understand the new battleground that has developed post-Roe. The fight has shifted back to each individual state, but we must also keep in mind the bigger picture and understand what attacks are on the horizon. Big Abortion is not satisfied with just ensuring California and New York are sanctuaries for abortion; they want every state to enshrine abortion as a "right" in their constitution. Because of this, we must also continue our work of pushing back against the lies that tell women they are not capable of being a mother. Whether you live in a Life State or an Abortion State, you are uniquely positioned to speak the truth and champion life!

As non-profits and 501(c)(3) organizations, it can be confusing to understand what you are allowed and not allowed to do when it comes to elections. While this confusion can make it easier to sit on the sidelines, these issues are too important to leave in the hands of others. You know firsthand how abortion harms women. You are the expert on what women truly need to be able to succeed and choose life for their babies! This November it is far too vital that you speak up for life.

The good news is that non-profits are allowed to be engaged in advocacy for constitutional amendments! The IRS states that a 501(c)(3) may participate in political activities as long as they constitute an insubstantial part of the overall expenditures. An insubstantial amount is generally considered 5 to 15 percent of a 501(c)(3)’s funds, although the IRS does not provide a specific definition. For an in-depth breakdown of the guidelines, you can read the "Guidelines for Political Activities of Not-For-Profit Organizations". Listed on pages 8 and 9 is a comprehensive list of approved activities.

Below are a few key ways that you and your organization can get involved in the election and advocate for life!

Register to Vote

First and foremost, make sure that you are registered to vote! Your vote is critical in November and future lives depend on it. Please take time now to make sure that you are registered to vote here!

After that, make sure that your supporters are registered as well! In newsletters and emails, you can remind those who support your mission that their involvement in the election matters. 

Check your Voting Deadlines

With the rise in early and absentee voting, it is even more important for you to be aware of your state's election deadlines! You can find your state's information here, and ensure that you are educating your audiences before they head to the polls.

Join or Create Your State's Pregnancy Help Coalition

Now it is more important than ever to connect with like-minded pregnancy help organizations. By joining together with pregnancy help organizations in your state, you can better collaborate and understand the issues facing your communities. We are stronger together! Find the coalitions in your state here.

Connect with Local Pro-Life Groups

As elections arise in your state, groups like your local Right to Life and Family Research Council will be great resources to equip you with talking points and educational tools. You can find your local Family Research Council here, and your state's Right to Life group here!

Educate Your Supporters

Now that you are registered, understand the deadlines, and have partnered with other pro-life groups, it is time to communicate with your supporters and make sure that they understand what is at stake in the upcoming election! Don't assume that because they support your organization, they will vote to protect life. They may not be politically engaged, or they may not understand the true ramifications of these constitutional amendments. It is important that you use your voice to help them make sense of all the noise, especially as an organization that they trust when it comes to supporting women and their babies.

Constitutional amendments are an extreme way to change laws in a state. In fact, many states do not allow for these citizen-initiated constitutional amendments. Of the 50 states, there are only 18 in which citizens can gather signatures to place an amendment onto the ballot. Many of these states require only a 50% +1 majority for these amendments to pass, while others require the ballot measure to receive at least 60%. With this in mind, pro-abortion activists are targeting otherwise pro-life states like Missouri, South Dakota, and Ohio, because they believe they can get a simple majority of voters to go along with their ambiguous amendments.

Over the next year, we are likely to see close to 10 different abortion-related constitutional amendments. These range from Ohio's initiative that would remove all abortion restrictions, to Iowa's which would ensure that there is no right to abortion in their constitution. You can find the details for each of these upcoming ballot initiatives below. As the coalitions to support or counter these amendments form, we will be adding more information so that you can stay informed. You can also find a full list of the upcoming issues on Ballotpedia here.

On the Ballot in 2023

OHIO

The "Ohio Issue 1, Right to Make Reproductive Decisions Including Abortion Initiative" would greenlight abortion all the way up to birth by giving abortionists the final say on what’s allowed. This issue is intentionally written to be vague and broad so that it will stop the state legislature from creating any restrictions on abortion and other "reproductive decisions" for both adults and children.

The local pro-life groups have come together to form Protect Women Ohio to counter the pro-abortion amendment. Check out and download their talking points here!

Read more about the ballot proposal from National Review.

On the Ballot in 2024

MARYLAND

Maryland Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment

NEW YORK

New York Equal Protection of Law Amendment

Proposed for 2024

ARIZONA

Arizona Abortion Access Act Amendment

FLORIDA

Florida Prohibit Laws Restricting Abortion Initiative

IOWA

Iowa No State Constitutional Right to Abortion Amendment

MISSOURI

Missouri Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment

NEBRASKA

Nebraska Prohibit Abortion Procedures and Drugs Initiative

PENNSYLVANIA

Pennsylvania No State Constitutional Right to Abortion Amendment

SOUTH DAKOTA

South Dakota Right to Abortion Amendment

Past Ballot Initiatives

CALIFORNIA: California Proposition 1, Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment – Passed

KANSAS: Kansas No State Constitutional Right to Abortion and Legislative Power to Regulate Abortion Amendment – Failed

KENTUCKY: Kentucky Constitutional Amendment 2, No Right to Abortion in Constitution Amendment – Failed

MICHIGAN: Michigan Proposal 3, Right to Reproductive Freedom Initiative – Passed

MONTANA: Montana LR-131, Medical Care Requirements for Born-Alive Infants Measure – Failed

VERMONT: Vermont Proposal 5, Right to Personal Reproductive Autonomy Amendment – Passed