Arizona, Montana Clear Abortion Rights Measures

Voters in Arizona and Montana will decide in November whether to enshrine abortion rights in their state constitutions after both states' supreme courts validated ballot measures. In Arizona, the Supreme Court dismissed challenges from anti-abortion groups arguing that the summary used to collect signatures was misleading. The Arizona measure, Proposition 139, would allow abortions up to around 24 weeks with exceptions for the mother's health. Similarly, Montana's initiative would protect abortion rights up to fetal viability, with provisions for the mother's health. These measures follow the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, prompting several states to put abortion rights directly to voters. Other states, including Maryland and South Dakota, are also considering similar measures.