(LOS ANGELES) – California will protect abortion and contraception rights in the state’s constitution, which will prevent these rights from being at risk in the future. According to Associated Press, 75.1% of Californians approved the amendment, also known as Proposition 1 ( Prop 1) or the Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment.
What’s in the law: California constituents voted on Prop 1 on November 8. The measure meant that the right to an abortion would be guaranteed as a fundamental right in the California Constitution.
Although reproductive rights already exist within the state of California, the amendment ensures that future lawmakers cannot take those rights away.
The Right to Reproductive Freedom constitutional amendment, which voters approved Tuesday, says:
The state shall not deny or interfere with an individual’s reproductive freedom in their most intimate decisions, which includes their fundamental right to choose to have an abortion and their fundamental right to choose or refuse contraceptives. This section is intended to further the constitutional right to privacy guaranteed by Section 1, and the constitutional right to not be denied equal protection guaranteed by Section 7. Nothing herein narrows or limits the right to privacy or equal protection.
California was one of five states with abortion-related measures on the ballot Tuesday, according to the Guttmacher Institute. In each case, voters decided in favor of access to abortion, it noted.
Why it matters: In June, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the court case that decriminalized abortion in 1973. This paved the way for states to restrict abortion via state laws. California is one of several states to pass legislation or amendments protecting reproductive rights in the wake of the decision.
Polling: Before Election Day, 69% supported, 25% opposed, and 6% were unsure about Proposition 1 per a Public Policy Institute of California poll of 1,705 California adult residents conducted September 2 to 11, 2022.
Special Report: The 2022 Midterms
November 20, 2022
Clean Elections USA Accused of Voter Intimidation
According to the suit filed last month, the founder of Clean Elections USA, allegedly had supporters gather at ballot boxes in Maricopa County, Arizona, with the intent to deter voters from submitting their absentee ballots.
November 18, 2022
Illinois Approves Collective Bargaining Measure
Illinois voters approved constitutional Amendment 1, codifying the right to collective bargaining and prohibiting right-to-work laws in the state constitution, with more than 50 percent of voters in favor, according to The Associated Press. Known informally as the Worker’s Rights Amendment (WRA), the measure guarantees Illinois laborers the right to organize themselves, negotiate contracts, and advocate for desired wages and benefits. It further codifies the right to collective bargaining and prohibits right-to-work laws in the state constitution.
November 18, 2022
Karen Bass Wins LA Mayoral Race, Vows to Focus on Homelessness
(LOS ANGELES) — Democratic Rep. Karen Bass has beat real estate developer Rick Caruso and is posed to become the […]
November 11, 2022
Colorado Legalizes and Decriminalizes Psychedelics
The passage of the bill is another example of Colorado voters supporting initiatives to legalize federally labeled Schedule 1 substances.
November 10, 2022
Democrat Elected Mayor of Bend, Oregon
While Oregon is a purple state, Democrats have held power as governors and city council members for years.