Arkansas for Limited Government, a group seeking to enshrine access to abortion care in the state constitution, has submitted more than 100,000 valid signatures from registered voters, surpassing the required number to advance their proposal to the November 2024 ballot. Unlike other states, this group does not have support from major national abortion rights organizations.
If passed, the Arkansas Abortion Amendment would protect abortion access up to 18 weeks after fertilization and in cases of rape, incest, fatal fetal anomalies, or to protect the pregnant woman’s life or physical health. Currently, most abortion care in Arkansas is banned, with zero reported in 2023 due to a 2022 law enacted after Roe v. Wade was overturned.
Although the amendment faces strong opposition from abortion opponents in Arkansas, polls show a majority of voters are against legalizing abortion in most or all situations. Despite these challenges, organizers managed to exceed the signature requirements just before the deadline, although they still fell short in some counties.
American United for Life has rated Arkansas as “the most pro-life state in America” in 2024. This proposed amendment faces an uphill battle in a state where there is strong opposition to abortion rights. The fight to include the amendment on the ballot continues, with organizers working to overcome the resistance and legal obstacles in their path.
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