Abortion access advocates in Nevada have announced that they have submitted over 200,000 petition signatures, nearly double the required amount, to qualify a measure for the November ballot. The proposed measure aims to enshrine reproductive rights in the state constitution. Supporters need 102,000 valid signatures by June 26 to secure a spot on the ballot.
The initiative has garnered significant support, with advocates emphasizing the importance of keeping the government out of personal and private decisions regarding individuals' bodies, lives, and futures. The signatures are currently undergoing verification by elections officials in Nevada's 17 counties, including Clark County and Washoe County.
Nevada currently allows abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, following a law passed in 1990. However, in light of recent developments such as the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, there is a push to strengthen abortion access in the state. Several neighboring states have stricter abortion regulations than Nevada, prompting the current efforts to protect reproductive rights.
If approved by voters this year, the proposed constitutional amendment would require a second approval in 2026 to be fully enacted. In addition to the signature-gathering process, Nevada's Democratic-majority lawmakers passed a 24-week right-to-abortion measure last year, setting the stage for further legislative action on the issue.
Opponents of the measure, such as Nevada Right to Life, have expressed their opposition, vowing to continue fighting against the proposed amendment through legal and political means. The debate surrounding abortion rights remains contentious, with both sides actively engaging in efforts to shape the future of reproductive healthcare in Nevada.
