In the first nationwide test of public sentiments since the Supreme Court last summer ended abortion rights in America, voters got to have their say. So far, their verdict has been resounding: Voters in almost a half-dozen states cast their ballots Nov. 8 for measures to protect the biological self-determination of women — and nowhere did voters turn back those rights. Exit polls indicated it was the second-most important overall subject motivating voters and by far the most important one motivating people to vote Democratic.
Pro-choice forces must heed the clear message here and make sure the topic remains front and center throughout the lead-up to 2024.
The court’s ruling overturning Roe v. Wade this year was heavily influenced by the personal preferences of five conservative justices, who chose to disregard a half-century of court precedent. Privacy rights implicit in the Constitution were held less important than states’ rights. They also disregarded the views of a strong majority of Americans who support abortion rights with reasonable restrictions.
