The Republicans wanted to limit abortions, but failed significantly.
The people of Kansas have decided: After counting almost all the votes cast, a good 60 percent voted for abortion protection in the state constitution. 39 percent voted against. Had voters voted against it, the Kansas government would have been able to restrict abortion rights.
While the result is preliminary, it can be seen as a resounding victory for pro-choice advocates in a very conservative state. Polls in advance had predicted a much tighter result.
Coordination with signal effect
The referendum in Kansas is the first of its kind since the US Supreme Court overturned the then constitutionally protected abortion right in the United States in June. Since then, it has been left to the states to decide on abortion rights.
The referendum is therefore sending out a certain signal. In several Republican-ruled states, the authorities are preparing stricter abortion laws. In other states like California and Kentucky, citizens will vote on the issue in November, coinciding with the midterm congressional elections.
Conservative majority
Abortion is currently legal in Kansas up to about 22 weeks. A ruling by the Supreme Court in the state, which has around three million inhabitants, confirmed this again in 2019. This makes the state, which is governed by a conservative majority, a kind of refuge for pregnant women from nearby states such as Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas, in which abortion is now banned with a few exceptions.
Predominantly rural Kansas is considered a conservative state. Republican Donald Trump received 56 percent of the vote in the 2020 presidential election. 29 of Kansas’ 40 senators and 86 of the 125 members of the House of Representatives are Republicans. However, the governor is Democrat Laura Kelly.
US President happy
An initial reaction came shortly after US President Joe Biden announced the results of the vote via Twitter: It was an important victory for Kansas, but also for any American who believes that women should be able to make their own health decisions without government interference meeting.
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