Abortion has been a perennial issue for statewide ballot measures across the U.S. since the 1970s, and 2022 is continuing that trend.
There will be at least four ballot measures addressing abortion this year, which is the most since 1986. Measures have been certified for the ballot in Kansas, Kentucky, Montana, and Vermont. Should one more abortion-related measure make the ballot, 2022 will break that record.
Since 1970, there have been 47 abortion-related ballot measures, and 40 (85%) of these had the support of organizations that described themselves as pro-life. Voters approved 11 (27.5%) and rejected 29 (72.5%) of these 40 ballot measures. Campaigns sponsored ballot measures that addressed state constitutional language; personhood definitions; restricting, limiting, or regulating abortion; prohibiting public funding for abortion; parental notification; and practitioner requirements.
