Arkansas election officials have rejected petitions for an abortion-rights ballot measure that organizers hoped to put before voters this fall. The secretary of state’s office rejected the petitions due to missing statements required for paid signature gatherers. The measure, submitted by Arkansans for Limited Government, would have allowed abortion up to 20 weeks gestation and later in cases of rape, incest, or threats to a woman’s health or life. This proposal was seen as a test of support for abortion rights in a predominantly Republican state.
The U.S. Supreme Court recently removed the nationwide right to abortion, prompting states to have voters decide the matter. Arkansas already has a law in place banning most abortions, except in cases of medical emergency. The rejected ballot measure faced opposition from national abortion rights groups like Planned Parenthood, as it would still allow abortion to be banned 20 weeks into pregnancy.
The proposal faced strong opposition from abortion opponents in Arkansas, particularly the Family Council Action Committee, who published the names of signature gatherers and vowed to challenge the amendment in court if it made the ballot. Despite the setback, organizers are reviewing the state’s decision and considering their next steps. The outcome of this battle reflects the ongoing debate over abortion rights in a conservative state with vocal opposition to abortion.
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