Measures to protect access to abortion succeeded in seven states but failed in three where he appeared on the ballot in that election, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing national debate over reproductive rights.

Arizona, Colorado, New York, Maryland, Missouri, Montana and Nevada voted to protect a woman’s right to choose. However, the states of Florida, South Dakota, and Nebraska have chosen to maintain or impose stricter limitations on abortion access. The findings highlight a growing patchwork of abortion policies, with some states expanding access while others seek to limit it or even restrict it outright.

This wave of ballot initiatives follows the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wadea decision that ended federal abortion protections and left regulation to individual states. In response, abortion rights advocates are increasingly turning to ballot initiatives, allowing voters to speak directly on the issue and bypassing legislative hurdles. This approach reflects a shift toward local efforts to safeguard or restore access to abortion in a changing and polarized legal landscape.

Here’s a look at how voters took the reins on this critical issue where it was right now. ballot in 10 states.

new York

Voters in New York showed strong support for measures to protect access to abortion, approving amendments to the state constitution. One of these measures, Proposition 1appeared on the ballot without directly mentioning abortion but effectively guaranteed the right to abortion. Abortion remains legal in New York up to 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Arizona

In Arizona, voters passed a measure that overturns the current ban on abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The ruling significantly expands reproductive rights, marking a major shift in the state’s abortion landscape. The measure, a victory for abortion rights advocates in the presidential battleground state, establishes a “fundamental right” to abortion in the Arizona state constitution. It prohibits the state from restricting or prohibiting abortion before fetal viability, usually around 24 weeks of pregnancy. Until now, Arizona law prohibited abortion after 15 weeks.

Colorado

Colorado voters approved a measure to strengthen existing abortion rights, continuing the state’s history of supporting reproductive access. With abortion already legal to the point of viability, the amendment ensures current protections and solidifies Colorado’s position on reproductive rights. Additionally, the measure repeals a constitutional provision that previously prohibited public funding of abortion. Colorado still imposes no gestation limit on access to abortion.

Maryland

Maryland voters approved a constitutional amendment to protect access to abortion, affirming the right to reproductive freedom. The measure guarantees existing abortion rights, including the ability to make decisions regarding pregnancy, and incorporates these protections into the state constitution. Maryland places no gestational limits on abortion, which strengthens reproductive rights in the state.

Montana

Montana voters approved a measure to protect access to abortion, strengthening the state’s existing reproductive rights. The amendment enshrines the right to make decisions regarding one’s pregnancy, including abortion up to and beyond fetal viability, in order to protect the life or health of the patient. Abortion has been legal in Montana since a 1999 state Supreme Court ruling.

Nevada

Nevada voters passed a measure to protect abortion rights, ensuring the state’s legal framework remains supportive of reproductive access. The amendment to the Nevada State Constitution guarantees the right to abortion until fetal viability, and after viability, when necessary to protect the health or life of the patient. Although the amendment is now approved, it will require voter approval again in 2026 to fully amend the state constitution.

Missouri

Missouri voters overturned the state’s near-total ban on abortion, marking a significant expansion of abortion access. Currently, abortion is prohibited in Missouri, with no exceptions for rape or incest. The recently approved amendment represents a major shift in state policy, one that is expected to significantly expand access to abortion services.

Florida

Florida voters rejected a measure to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution, marking a setback for advocates seeking to restore broader access. The proposal, which would have allowed abortion until viability, received 57% of the vote but fell short of the 60% threshold needed for approval. Florida currently bans most abortions after six weeks. The defeat ends a string of victories by abortion rights groups in national elections since the 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade.

South Dakota

South Dakota voters rejected an initiative that would have legalized abortion with regulations during the first and second trimesters. As a result, the state’s near-total ban on abortion, which allows exceptions only to save the mother’s life, will remain in effect. The proposal, which included exceptions for rape and incest, was narrowly defeated, reflecting a divided and complex position among voters.

Nebraska

Nebraska voters faced two competing ballot measures on abortion. One, which was not adopted, aimed to enshrine the right to abortion until fetal viability. The other, which passed, upheld the state’s 12-week ban on abortion, allowing exceptions for sexual assault, incest and medical emergencies. If both measures had passed, the one with the most votes would have taken effect. Nebraska law currently allows abortions up to 12 weeks.

The results mark the end of a string of victories for abortion rights advocates, underscoring how reproductive health remains a key issue for voters. According to The associated pressIn a survey of more than 110,000 voters across the country, about a quarter of respondents said abortion policy was the most important factor in their vote, while nearly half considered it as an important, but not essential, factor. Just over 1 in 10 people said it was a minor factor.