There were three pro-life victories in US states that held referendums on abortion during the 2024 Election that also saw pro-abortion idealogue Kamala Harris defeated by Donald Trump.
An amendment in Florida that would have secured a right to abortion before an unborn baby is said to be viable was defeated after it failed to gain the 60% support required in such a referendum.
Catholic bishops in the state welcomed the outcome, though they made it clear that “much work remains to open hearts and minds to the dignity and goodness of life in the womb and at every stage”.
Florida enacted a six-week abortion ban in May, reportedly causing the state abortion rate to fall by over 30% within months.
Nebraska also voted in favour of life, defeating an initiative that would have permitted late-term abortion. At the same time, voters approved constitutional state protection for unborn babies in the second and third trimesters.
Meanwhile, South Dakota voted to retain its current abortion ban, except in cases when the mother’s life is at risk, rejecting a bid to legalise it in the first and second trimesters.
Not all referendums resulted in pro-life victories as seven US states passed pro-abortion amendments.
SPUC comment
A SPUC spokesperson said: “The repeal of Roe. v Wade by the US Supreme Court in 2022 allows states to decide their own abortion laws.
“But the abortion debate is far from settled in the USA. The pro-life movement has seen victories and defeats in recent months as states have voted on abortion legislation. The battle for hearts and minds is only just beginning.
“While there are new challenges following the end of Roe, this week’s election offers sure signs of hope, which UK pro-lifers can also take inspiration from. The vision of a world where abortion is unthinkable came closer to reality this week in Florida, Nebraska and South Dakota, and that is very encouraging.”
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