In an unprecedented move, constitutional amendments that aim to protect or expand abortion rights have officially qualified for the general election ballot in 10 states. This brings the power to decide the future of abortion access directly to voters in crucial swing states, blue-leaning states, and red-leaning states.

The states where the amendments will be on the ballot include Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Maryland, New York, Florida, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, and South Dakota. However, organizers in Arkansas fell short in gathering enough signatures to qualify for the ballot.

These initiatives represent the latest efforts to enshrine abortion access in a state's constitution since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. Each proposed amendment aims to address specific aspects of abortion care laws in their respective states.

In Arizona, the proposed constitutional amendment would establish a "fundamental right" to an abortion until fetal viability, around the 24th week of pregnancy. It also prevents the state from limiting abortion in situations where the health or life of the pregnant person is at risk, as determined by the treating health care professional. If approved, this measure would effectively undo the current 15-week ban on abortion in Arizona.

Meanwhile, in Colorado, the proposed amendment seeks formal recognition of the right to abortion and prohibits the government from impeding or discriminating against its exercise. It also aims to eliminate a 1984 law that restricts the use of health insurance to pay for abortion care. This amendment intends to safeguard existing abortion rights in the state and prevent possible future rollbacks by lawmakers.

In Maryland, lawmakers have voted to include an amendment on the ballot that guarantees the right to make decisions regarding one's pregnancy, including the option to continue or terminate it.

Missouri's proposed amendment aims to protect abortion rights until fetal viability, with exceptions for the mother's life and health. It further defines reproductive freedom and declares any denial, interference, delay, or restriction of reproductive health care as invalid. If successful, this amendment would effectively overturn the state's stringent abortion ban.

Montana's ballot measure seeks to amend the state constitution, affirming the right to make decisions about one's own pregnancy, including the right to abortion. It also prohibits the government from denying or burdening access to abortion unless a treating healthcare professional deems it necessary to protect the life or health of the patient.

The state of Nebraska will present two dueling constitutional amendments to voters. "Protect the Right to Abortion" would establish a fundamental right to abortion until fetal viability or for the protection of the pregnant patient's life or health. The other amendment, "Protect Women and Children," restricts abortions in the second and third trimesters, except in cases of medical emergency or pregnancies resulting from sexual assault or incest.

In Nevada, where abortion is already legal until the 24th week of pregnancy, a constitutional amendment on the ballot seeks to enshrine similar protections to safeguard against potential future restrictions.

In November, voters in these 10 states will have the opportunity to shape the future of abortion access and determine whether to protect and expand upon existing rights. The passage of these proposed amendments would have significant implications on current abortion care laws within each state.