In a significant move reflecting widespread support for reproductive rights, a coalition in Nevada has submitted over 200,000 signatures to state officials, seeking to place an abortion rights amendment on the November ballot. This effort, spearheaded by Nevadans for Reproductive Freedom, underscores a critical moment in the ongoing national debate over abortion access.
The campaign comes in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned half a century of federal abortion rights established under Roe v. Wade. This ruling has prompted states across the country to reassess their abortion laws, with Nevada taking proactive steps to secure these rights within its constitution.
Currently, abortion is legal in Nevada up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. However, the proposed amendment aims to enshrine these rights constitutionally, protecting them from future legislative changes. The push for this measure comes amid a broader national landscape where states are either tightening restrictions or seeking to safeguard abortion access through similar initiatives.
Nevadans for Reproductive Freedom, the coalition driving this initiative, is a diverse group of reproductive rights advocates, volunteers, and supporting organizations. The coalition’s president, Lindsey Harmon, has been a vocal advocate for the amendment, emphasizing the urgency of protecting abortion rights in the state.
The campaign’s success in gathering more than 200,000 signatures—nearly twice the required number of 102,362—is a testament to the coalition’s robust grassroots efforts. Volunteers collected signatures from every county in the state, demonstrating widespread support across Nevada. The coalition’s strategic approach aimed to surpass the required threshold significantly, anticipating potential disqualifications during the verification process.
The Nevada Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment seeks to constitutionally protect the right to abortion up to fetal viability. This measure would make it exceedingly difficult for future lawmakers to revoke or undermine abortion rights in the state. If the amendment is approved by voters in November, it will need to pass a second vote in 2026 before it can be officially enshrined in the state constitution.
Lindsey Harmon, speaking to supporters outside the Clark County Courthouse, highlighted the significance of the overwhelming support, stating, “The number of signatures gathered in just over three months shows how deeply Nevadans believe in abortion rights and its importance to this moment in our nation’s history.”
The campaign has garnered substantial support from various quarters, with public opinion polls indicating strong backing for abortion rights in Nevada. Many Nevadans view the constitutional amendment as a crucial safeguard against potential future legislative changes that could restrict access to reproductive healthcare.
However, the initiative has faced challenges. Right-wing advocacy groups have contested the measure, arguing that it violates Nevada law by covering more than one subject. Last November, Carson City District Court Judge James Russell sided with these groups. In response, Nevadans for Reproductive Freedom narrowed the proposal’s focus, allowing it to proceed. The Nevada Supreme Court later affirmed the measure’s original language, enabling the coalition to continue its efforts.
Nevada is not alone in its endeavor to protect abortion rights through constitutional amendments. Similar measures are set to appear on the ballots in Florida, Kansas, Maryland, and New York this November. These efforts are part of a broader trend, with seven states having let voters weigh in on abortion rights since the Dobbs decision. In all seven states, including conservative strongholds like Kansas, Kentucky, and Montana, voters have chosen to protect and expand abortion access or defeat restrictive measures.
The contrasting landscape across the United States is stark: 14 states have enacted total abortion bans, while 27 have implemented restrictions based on the duration of pregnancy. The Guttmacher Institute, a leading research organization on reproductive health, provides detailed tracking of these developments.
State officials will now review the submitted signatures, with a deadline of July 8 for full certification of the proposed amendment for the ballot. If the measure passes in November, it will reappear on the 2026 ballot for final approval, as required by Nevada law.
The potential approval of this amendment could have significant political ramifications in Nevada, a battleground state with competitive races for president and the U.S. Senate. The ballot measure is expected to mobilize voters and potentially boost Democratic turnout.
Lindsey Harmon’s words resonate deeply: “The majority of Nevadans agree that the government should stay out of their personal and private decisions… about our bodies, our lives, and our futures.”
Additional Information
For those interested in supporting the campaign or learning more about the proposed amendment, Nevadans for Reproductive Freedom provides resources and information on their official website. The coalition continues to welcome volunteers and supporters as they navigate the next steps in this critical initiative.
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