An Arkansas official has reported that volunteers from an abortion rights group have collected 87,000 signatures in an effort to repeal the state’s strict abortion laws. The signatures were gathered by volunteers with the Arkansas Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union in an attempt to put a measure on the ballot that would allow voters to decide on the controversial abortion laws.
The petition drive was launched in response to a series of laws passed by the Arkansas legislature that severely restrict access to abortion services in the state. These laws include a near-total ban on abortions, as well as restrictions on abortion medications and providers.
The ACLU and other advocacy groups argue that these laws infringe on women’s rights to make their own reproductive choices, and that they harm vulnerable populations such as low-income women and communities of color. They also argue that such laws are unconstitutional and violate the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion nationwide.
The 87,000 signatures collected by volunteers will now be verified by the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office to ensure that they meet the requirements for a ballot measure. If approved, voters in Arkansas could have the opportunity to overturn the state’s restrictive abortion laws in a future election.
The ACLU and its supporters are hopeful that the measure will succeed in repealing the controversial laws and restoring access to abortion services for women in Arkansas. They are urging voters to support the measure and stand up for reproductive rights in the state.
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