New abortion-rights measures in 7 states could trigger legal, legislative challenges

Attendees cheer during a Missourians for Constitutional Freedom rally after the campaign turned in more than 380,000 signatures for its initiative petition to enshrine abortion rights in Missouri’s constitution. Voters in seven states, including Missouri, chose to protect or expand access to abortion through ballot initiatives in Tuesday’s election. (Annelise Hanshaw | Missouri Independent)

Widespread support for abortion rights continued to defy partisan labels in week’s election, but several of the ballot measures that voters approved may face legal and legislative challenges in the coming months. And supporters worry that federal efforts could eventually override the state measures.

Voters in seven states — including deep-red Missouri and Montana — chose to protect or expand access to abortion through ballot initiatives.

“This won’t be the last time Missourians vote on so-called ‘reproductive rights,’” Missouri Republican state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, who opposed the ballot measure, wrote in a press release . “I will do everything in my power to ensure that vote happens.”

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