Montana joins abortion rights battle with November ballot initiative

Montana adds abortion protection to US election (File)

Montana made a bold statement in the national abortion rights debate by placing a crucial initiative on the November ballot aimed at protecting access to the procedure on Tuesday. This significant action follows the 2022 Supreme Court ruling that overturned federal abortion rights, galvanising Democrats and voters to champion reproductive freedoms.

The proposed measure seeks to enshrine protections in the state constitution, ensuring that the government cannot deny or impose burdens on abortion access before fetal viability. It also aims to prevent government interference in cases where a pregnancy threatens a woman's life and shields patients, healthcare providers, and supporters from penalties related to abortion services.

Montana's initiative mirrors similar efforts seen in other states, including a recent push in Arizona, making it the eighth state to place abortion protection on the ballot this November.

As Democrats intensify their focus on abortion rights in key battlegrounds, the initiative underscores a broader strategy to mobilise voters and challenge restrictive measures imposed by Republican-led states following the Supreme Court's controversial ruling.

With Vice President Kamala Harris emerging as a leading advocate for abortion rights, Montana's ballot measure reflects a critical juncture in the ongoing national debate, energising both supporters and opponents as the election approaches.

The petition, backed by over 81,000 signatures, represents a significant push by Montanans to shape the future of reproductive rights in their state.

Several other states have added abortion access ballot measures in the November election, including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Nevada, New York and South Dakota, with several others still pending.

Some 21 other states have set stricter standards for abortion since the fall of Roe v Wade, ranging from full bans to earlier gestational limits.

(Inputs From AFP)