The state implemented its confidential hotline in hopes to combat misinformation and confusion about abortion bans and restrictions. More than 150 lawyers will provide free legal advice.
State lawmakers convene this week and will tackle a variety of issues this session, including amending the state’s near-total abortion ban, relieving urban traffic congestion and gender reassignment surgery.
The Board of State Canvassers found no evidence of election fraud and endorsed two ballot proposals’ victories, one to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution and another to provide nine days of early voting.
The newly elected Legislature will convene on Dec. 7 for the first time and will immediately face several big issues, including a long-awaited emergency heating and energy assistance package for state residents.
Political divisions in America were on full display on Tuesday night. Early returns show strong support for reproductive choice, but mixed enthusiasm for legalizing recreational cannabis.
Five states have abortion-related questions on their ballots, the most ever, and gubernatorial and legislative races in six others will determine if abortion will be legal in those states.
Michigan’s Proposal 3 would install protections for a woman’s right to have an abortion within the state’s constitution if it is approved by voters in November. Medical professionals and politicians all await the outcome of the vote.
Activists on both sides of the abortion issue see the overturning of Roe v. Wade earlier this year as the creation of a new political landscape, one that requires either increased protections or reinforced restrictions.
The state’s constitutional Amendment No. 2 will ask voters if they want to clarify that there is no protected right to abortion. If passed, it would eliminate any legal path to challenge the constitution.
Voters in a record number of states face abortion-related measures, as well as traditional topics including marijuana and minimum wage.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law on Sept. 27 that forbids California-based companies from giving out geolocation data, search histories and other personal information for out-of-state warrants, including those pertaining to abortions.
Two states with abortion bans extended health coverage after childbirth, joining 23 other states and the District of Columbia. Eight more may follow.
Sen. Lindsey Graham’s proposed 15-week abortion ban has received a mixed reaction from candidates for the state’s U.S. senate seat. Sixty-one percent of Americans believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases.
A recent poll found that 70 percent of California voters support a measure to amend the state’s constitution to include abortion rights protections. Some believe the abortion issue will drive voters to the polls come November.
Secretary of State Scott Schwab confirmed that a recount of the failed abortion amendment would cost $120,000. In response, anti-abortion activist Mark Gietzen filed a lawsuit demanding a hand recount without cost.
Voters face three major issues at this year’s midterms: abortion, the economy and state legislative control. Election Day is just three months away.
