Abortion measures appear on midterm ballots in four US states

Abortion-related measures are set to appear on midterm election ballots in Missouri, Virginia, Nevada, and Idaho. In Missouri, Amendment 3 proposes a constitutional change to prohibit abortion and certain procedures for minors with gender dysphoria, with exceptions for medical emergencies, rape, incest, or fetal anomalies. If passed, this would reverse a 2024 amendment that codified reproductive freedom. The Missouri amendment also includes requirements for parental consent for minors and prohibitions on fetal organ harvesting.

While religious organizations, such as the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, maintain that preventing abortion is a “preeminent priority,” polling indicates the issue may have less impact on voter decision-making than in previous cycles. A Pew Research Center poll shows that the percentage of voters who consider abortion “very important” has decreased from 56% in 2022 to 46%. Voters cited the economy and the future of democracy as higher priorities.