LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A group of Arkansans working to put the issue of abortion access in Arkansas voters’ hands is one step closer to its goal.
Attorney General Tim Griffin approved For AR People’s ballot proposal late Tuesday, allowing the issue to go on our November 2024 ballots if the group gets enough petition signatures.
Attorney General Tim Griffin certifies Arkansas Abortion Amendment ballot language
The measure looks to enshrine abortion access in the state constitution and would forbid any laws from being passed to restrict abortion in cases of rape, incest, or fatal fetal anomaly or to protect the life or well-being of the mother within the first 18 weeks after conception.
It is an issue nearly everyone has thoughts on and one that for decades has been debated on the political spectrum – nationally and statewide.
But for Courtney Beck, the issue of abortion access hits extra close to home, especially since she was faced with an unplanned pregnancy at 16 years old.
Out of panic and desperation, she chose to get a judicial bypass, which was legal in Arkansas at the time. A judicial bypass is defined as a legal process where a judge can give you permission to decide whether to have an abortion without involving your parent or legal guardian.