Voters in several US states approved measures supporting abortion rights on November 3, while Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress in an election that dealt a major setback to President Donald Trump.
The Democratic Party gained approximately three dozen seats across the House of Representatives and Senate, giving it strong majorities in both chambers, including a 10-seat advantage in the Senate.
Democratic supporters described the results as a rejection of Trump’s second and final presidential term. His administration has faced public dissatisfaction over the war with Iran, record-high petrol prices and the continued cost of groceries and other consumer goods.
Virginia Voters Approve Constitutional Amendment Protecting Abortion Rights
Abortion rights supporters recorded several victories in state-level ballot measures, including in Virginia, where voters approved a constitutional amendment guaranteeing abortion rights to “every individual”.
Opponents of the amendment argued that its wording could extend abortion access to children without restrictions, weaken parental rights and expose young girls to potential risks.
Although the measure passed, legal challenges have been filed disputing its validity.
Virginia’s Catholic bishops had campaigned against the proposal through a “Catholics Vote No” initiative, urging members of the Church to vote against the amendment.
Nevada Approves Abortion Until Fetal Viability
Nevada voters also approved a constitutional amendment allowing abortion until the point of fetal viability, with more than 60 per cent supporting the proposal.
The result represents a significant change to the state’s constitutional protections for abortion access.
Archbishop George Leo Thomas of Las Vegas had described the proposal as a “very serious and damaging expansion” of abortion law.
Pro-life advocates raised concerns about the measure’s reference to “individuals”, arguing that the language could allow abortions involving underage girls without adequate regulation.
Missouri Voters Reject Proposal to Restore Abortion Ban
In Missouri, approximately 55 per cent of voters rejected a proposal seeking to reinstate a state abortion ban.
The outcome leaves in place the existing arrangement permitting abortion until fetal viability.
The rejection was another setback for opponents of abortion rights, who had sought to reverse the state’s current policy through the ballot measure.
Idaho Rejects Proposal to Expand Reproductive Rights
Idaho voters delivered a different result, rejecting a proposal that would have established a constitutional right to reproductive freedom and privacy.
The measure was defeated by approximately 56 per cent to 44 per cent.
If approved, it would have prevented the government from interfering with most decisions relating to abortion and reproductive rights.
The result marked a defeat for abortion rights campaigners in the state, contrasting with the outcomes in Virginia, Nevada and Missouri.
Catholic Leaders Had Campaigned Against Abortion Measures
Catholic bishops and pro-life advocates in several states had urged voters to oppose the abortion-related proposals before Election Day.
In Virginia, the state’s two bishops supported the “Catholics Vote No” campaign, while Archbishop Thomas publicly criticised Nevada’s proposed constitutional amendment.
The campaign formed part of broader efforts by religious leaders and abortion opponents to influence the outcome of the state-level votes.
Virginia Repeals Long-Standing Same-Sex Marriage Ban
Voters in Virginia also approved the repeal of the state’s long-standing ban on same-sex marriage.
The decision was largely symbolic because the US Supreme Court legalised same-sex marriage nationwide in its 2015 ruling.
The repeal nevertheless removes the state-level prohibition from Virginia’s laws.
