In every state, lawmakers can vote to approve amendments, which then require voters to weigh in before they’re adopted (except in Delaware, where only legislative approval is necessary). Most Democratic-run legislatures can readily do the same thing, though not all, because some states require supermajorities that Democrats currently lack—and we can be certain Republican legislators won’t help out. Citizen-initiated amendments like these are often even more important, because they can safeguard abortion rights in purple states where they’re under threat and even in red states where Republicans have banned the procedure. A number of states already protect abortion rights, whether by statute or thanks to a court ruling. Either way, with Republicans working furiously to restrict abortion wherever and however they can, the time to act is now.

Source: Washington Post April 11, 2023 06:01 UTC