As election season heats up, you might hear the phrase "abortion is on the ballot" in different conversations and campaign materials. But what exactly does this mean for our upcoming election in Iowa?
“Let voters decide—put the issue on the ballot!” Can I vote directly for a reproductive freedom amendment?
In the time since the near-total abortion ban has gone into effect, we’ve heard a rallying cry from Iowans: “Put abortion on the ballot to let voters decide.” While efforts like this have restored and protected abortion rights in some states like Ohio and Michigan, this is not an option for the 2024 election in Iowa.
Unlike some states, Iowa does not have a citizen-led ballot initiative process. This means that the ability to protect or restrict reproductive rights in our state lies directly in the hands of our elected officials, making your vote even more crucial. Any changes to abortion law in the state must come through the legislative process. If we want to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot for Iowans to directly vote on, it must pass two consecutive biennia (a fancy word to describe a two-year legislative period) in both legislative chambers. That is why it is critical to empower our elected officials to put it on the ballot by electing reproductive freedom champions to the state house and senate.
Understanding the Stakes Locally
When we say "abortion is on the ballot" in our state, we're highlighting just how critical this election is for the future of reproductive freedom right here at home. State-level officials—like state senators and representatives—have significant power over the laws and regulations that govern access to abortion and other reproductive health services.
This phrase is a reminder that the outcome of our state elections could directly influence whether individuals in our community will have the freedom to make personal decisions about their own bodies and health. The leaders we choose can either protect, expand, or further restrict access to these essential services.
The Role of the State Legislature
As we’ve seen in the aftermath of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, state legislatures are at the forefront of the battle over reproductive rights. They can introduce, support, or block legislation that affects everything from abortion access to funding for clinics that provide critical reproductive health care.
It was our state legislature that just last summer returned to the Capitol for an unprecedented, one-day special session to pass a near-total abortion ban. This law was allowed to go into effect earlier this year, banning abortion as early as six weeks—often before many people even realize they are pregnant. It is because of the cruelty of the Republicans at the state legislature that Iowans are forced to deal with the consequences of living in one of the more restrictive states in the country concerning abortion rights.
And it’s not just about the abortion ban. In recent years, the state legislature has enacted various regulations on abortion providers, including the medically unnecessary 24-hour waiting period. It has funneled taxpayer dollars to anti-abortion centers while blocking abortion providers from being able to receive funding for family planning and sex education programming.
Your Vote, Your Impact
When you vote for reproductive freedom champions, you're making a direct impact on the laws and policies that will shape access to abortion in our community. Your vote is a powerful tool to protect and expand reproductive rights in our state, ensuring that everyone can make their own health care decisions.
Elections at the state level can sometimes feel less visible than national races, but they are just as, if not more, important. The people we elect locally will decide the future of reproductive rights in our state, influencing what happens on the ground where we live.
Saying "abortion is on the ballot" in Iowa is more than just a statement—it's a call to action. Your vote holds immense power in shaping the future of reproductive rights in our state. With no citizen-led ballot initiatives in Iowa, the responsibility to protect and expand these rights lies directly in our hands as voters.
By casting your ballot for candidates who support reproductive freedom, you are standing up for the right of every Iowan to make personal, private health decisions without government interference. Your vote is a powerful tool that can ensure our community remains a place where dignity, respect, and autonomy are restored.
This election is a chance to make your voice heard and to contribute to building a better future in Iowa, where everyone has the power to make decisions about their own bodies, lives, and futures. We can build a better future for all Iowans and protect reproductive freedom for generations to come. Let's make that future a reality together.
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