Abortion at the Ballot Box in 2024
Abortion was on the ballot in seven states in the 2024 election. Even with the presidential choices and the numerous federal and state representative positions, the “life issue” dominated much of the American political conversation.
Enshrining the abortion “right” into their state’s constitution became a reality in most states that considered the option. Arizona, Nevada, Montana, and New York now have enshrined a state constitutional “right” to abortion. Nebraska has protected access to abortion in the first trimester, while Colorado and Maryland enshrined access to abortion throughout pregnancy. Colorado even added the use of tax dollars to pay for terminating life.
Florida and South Dakota were among the few states to say “NO” on a constitutional “right” to abortion. While Nebraska’s amendment “cement[ed] the state’s current 12-week abortion ban in the state constitution, a competing amendment to codify the right failed.”
The ballot in Missouri also created a new “right” to abortion. The measure flipped that state from a completely pro-life one to now making abortion legal throughout pregnancy. This means “citizens effectively voted to overturn their state’s abortion bans.”
Although the language of these amendments could have been intentionally vague, the lack of clarity does not change the fact that these outcomes have added a so-called “right” to abortion to those state constitutions. Comparing the numbers is enlightening:
Arizona: Trump 52.3% Abortion 61.6%
Missouri: Trump 58.5% Abortion 51.6%
Montana: Trump 58.5% Abortion 57.6%
Nevada: Trump 50.6% Abortion 64.2%
(A second vote is still required to pass the measure.)
Nebraska: Trump 55.9% (1), 76.3% (3), Abortion 55.1% for 1st Trimester, 51.2% against
How did so many voters voice their conservative views on the presidential election but were not conservative on abortion?
One explanation might be that pro-lifers are not as predominant as conservatives think. According to a 2023 Statista survey, only 44% of Americans identify as pro-life, meaning they oppose abortion. Some 52% of Americans identify as pro-choice, meaning they would accept abortion as a valid decision to end pregnancy.
Another explanation may be that voters were responding to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, putting voice to a backlash against judicial removal of a former federally enshrined “right.”
Yet another and, dare I say, more likely explanation might be that pro-life voters cast their ballots in support of abortion in 2024. This will come as a shock to many. Being pro-life generally carries with it a level of integrity. The reality, however, might be that many who claim to be pro-life simply aren’t: “I’m pro-life, but I believe in exceptions: rape, incest, life of the mother, and my situation.” It’s quite clear from the statistics that many who claim to be pro-life voted for abortion.
What does this mean for the pro-life movement going forward, and how should Christians respond?
While we know the critical role government plays in our lives and how important it is for citizens to vote, these results provide insight into a possible lack of veracity or authenticity in many who claim to hold a pro-life position. That can only change by a clear understanding of abortion as life-ending, killing a child. Also, that decision can leave a woman scarred forever by willfully taking the life of her own child. The pro-life movement must give an empathetic voice to that understanding.
Some key indicators lie in the path ahead for the pro-life movement, politically speaking. This was the first time any state blocked abortion rights. Thankfully, three states (Florida, Nebraska and South Dakota) stopped bad initiatives from passing, actually winning on abortion at the ballot box. There IS hope for voters to uphold life.
The losses in Arizona and Missouri are a bit more devastating because of the protections for the unborn that were already in state law. With the passage of its amendments, Arizona went from restricting abortion after 15 weeks to restricting any state interference on abortion until fetal viability (about 24 weeks). Missouri went from protecting all unborn children to establishing a “right to make decisions about reproductive health care, including abortion and contraceptives, without any governmental interference.” Both states eliminated the protections that existed under law for women and children.
And yet, according to Human Life Action, now is not a time to be discouraged. “Progress in the post-Roe world created by Dobbs will take determination, perseverance, and hard work. Facing the challenges before us, we must create plans to educate people on the deadly proposals that abortion proponents are pushing and, above all, on the possibilities before us to nourish and protect the lives of the most vulnerable among us. A majority of citizens are not looking for abortion on demand or abortion without restrictions. In the same way, people also understand the need to protect young girls from abusers and predators through parental and informed consent.”
Citizens who wish to protect life at all stages, for both mother and child, must be ready to take opportunities that may arise to defend life and the vulnerable among us. The success of the three states that fended off abortion amendments can serve as a guide:
1.) Have a head a governor who wholeheartedly backs the pro-life position.
2.) Work a grass roots effort that is effective.
3.) Labor to make a future that respects life at all stages of development.
The bottom line is this: The life issue will continue to dominate much of the American political conversation. Your next chance to vote to protect human life can make a big difference in deciding whether that child has a future at all or not — and whether or not that mom can be encouraged to protect the life of her child rather than end her pregnancy.
“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19, ESV). Choosing life genuinely and faithfully in our personal lives and at the ballot box will make all the difference.
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Details for each state ballot measure can be found by clicking here or on the links below:
Colorado: Abortion 61.9% Harris 54.2%
Maryland: Abortion 75.1% Harris 61.7%
New York: Abortion 61.9% Harris 55.5%
