Abortion Rights Are on The Ballot in Four U.S. States

Abortion rights are on the ballot in four U.S. states in next week's midterm elections. 

Voters in three states — Idaho, Nevada and Virginia — will decide on measures designed to protect abortion rights by affirming a statutory or constitutional right to abortion and, in some cases, other reproductive rights. In Missouri, voters will decide on an anti-abortion measure that would reverse protections approved in 2024.

Here are five things to know about what’s at stake in the November 3 elections.

In Idaho, voters will decide whether to establish a statutory right to abortion before fetal viability, potentially paving the way to overturn the state's near-total abortion ban. 

In Nevada, voters will consider enshrining abortion rights in the state constitution, while Virginia voters will decide on a constitutional amendment protecting reproductive freedom, including abortion, contraception and fertility treatment.

In 2024, Missouri voters approved a constitutional amendment protecting reproductive freedom. Next week, voters will decide whether to repeal those protections and reinstate sweeping abortion restrictions, with limited exceptions for medical emergencies, fetal anomalies, rape and incest. The measure would also prohibit gender-affirming care for minors.

Idaho is the only state considering expanded abortion protections that currently enforces a near-total ban. According to the Guttmacher Institute, in 2025, approximately 1,680 Idaho residents traveled out of state to obtain abortion care, primarily to Oregon, Washington and Utah. If approved, Proposition 1 would provide a legal pathway to challenge the state's existing restrictions.

Virginia has become a major destination for people seeking abortions from states with restrictive laws. More than 8,500 people traveled to Virginia for abortion care in 2025, including patients from North Carolina, Florida and Georgia. Missouri residents also frequently travel for care, with more than 11,500 leaving the state for abortions in 2025.

Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, voters have generally supported abortion rights when given the opportunity. All seven abortion rights ballot measures in 2022 and 2023 resulted in victories for abortion rights supporters. In 2024, seven of 10 measures passed.