Voters in nine states are considering adding the right to abortion to their constitutions in the upcoming elections. However, the impact of these measures on abortion access may not be immediate. If approved, these measures are likely to lead to more legal battles in a landscape that has been heavily influenced by the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade.
In Missouri, for example, the proposed amendment would not automatically repeal existing abortion restrictions, such as bans at all stages of pregnancy and various regulations like waiting periods and clinic requirements. Instead, it would set the stage for prolonged legal disputes in the courts.
