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FACT BRIEF

Did a state judge rule against making abortion a constitutional right in Nevada?

By Tabitha Mueller
View this fact brief on The Nevada Independent
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NO

Though a Nevada judge blocked a ballot initiative “establishing the fundamental right to reproductive freedom” from being placed on the 2024 ballot, he did not rule against making abortion a constitutional right in principle.

District Court Judge James Russell ruled that the proposed ballot question — which would have guaranteed a right to “all matters relating to pregnancy,” including birth control, abortion care and prenatal care — violated Nevada law because it was too broad for a single ballot question. He also said the question's implications were unclear and would implicitly require a funding source.

The Nevadans for Reproductive Freedom PAC spearheaded the ballot measure and is affiliated with Planned Parenthood’s advocacy arm. The PAC plans to appeal Russell’s ruling to the Nevada Supreme Court.

Four states (California, Vermont, Ohio and Michigan) have enshrined abortion protections into their state constitutions. Eight others will vote on similar ballot measures in the 2024 election.

See a full discussion of this at The Nevada Independent
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Sources
Judge Ruling DocumentCloud
Nevada Secretary of State Ballot Initiative
Guardian Abortion rights across the US: we track where laws stand in every state
NBC News Abortion rights groups seek ballot measures in 9 more states in 2024
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The Nevada Independent
The Nevada Independent is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news and opinion website founded in 2017 by veteran political journalist and commentator Jon Ralston. The site and its supporting channels are focused on ethical, unbiased and transparent journalism. In general, we aim to gather and disseminate important public information and increase civic engagement. We are supported by corporate donations, memberships, event ticket sales and sponsorships and foundation grants. We disclose all our members and donors. Donors have no influence over our content, ever. The Nevada Independent is the dba for Nevada News Bureau, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2010 by Elizabeth Thompson, who now serves as one of The Nevada Independent's managing directors and its Editor.
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