WASHINGTON — Kansas voters overwhelmingly rejected a proposed amendment to their state constitution that would have explicitly removed abortion rights protections. In a stunning blow to the GOP extremist agenda, Kansans turned out in force to reject the measure that would have laid the groundwork for state Republicans to pass a total abortion ban. This victory for reproductive rights came despite shady Republicans tactics, including purposely sending confusing voter communications and putting the vote on the primary ballot. The measure even failed in traditionally Republican areas. Across the political spectrum, Americans do not want politicians restricting reproductive rights and are willing to mobilize in force to protect them.
“Republicans did everything they could to sneak this ballot measure by the voters, and instead, voters sent a clear message that they don’t approve of restricting abortion,” said DLCC President Jessica Post. “Tonight’s vote in a traditionally red state resoundingly shows that Republicans are extremely out of touch on the issue of abortion — even with their own base of voters. Americans across the political spectrum want to keep reproductive care safe and legal. Kansans’ rejection of the GOP’s amendment underscores this growing backlash against Republican attacks on reproductive freedom and is just a glimpse of what is waiting for them this fall.”
Nationwide, 26 states have either banned abortion or are expected to ban abortion because of pre-existing abortion bans on the books or because of Republican-controlled legislatures that are hostile to abortion rights. In sharp contrast, Democrats in 17 states and Washington, D.C. have protected or expanded access to reproductive care. The DLCC launched the “States to Save Roe” campaign to help Democrats and the DLCC fight back against Republican attacks on abortion rights by electing state Democrats and protecting Democratic chambers that serve as a firewall for access to reproductive health care and services.
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