Kansas voters overwhelmingly supported Tuesday’s vote to preserve abortion rights, the first ballot measure approved by voters since Roe v. Wade was overturned in the United States Supreme Court.
Historic numbers of residents voted against a constitutional amendment which would have allowed legislators to restrict or ban medical procedures in the state.
The vote “no”After Tuesday night’s precincts reporting, campaign lead was 59% to 41% After hearing the results, pro-abortion rights activists cheered and chanted.
“I am sort of speechless. I’m so proud to be a provider in this community. I’m so proud that I get to serve this community,” said Iman Alsaden, the chief medical officer at Planned Parenthood Great Plains.
“I moved here two years ago from Chicago with the intention of providing abortion care in a place where there were not a lot of providers,” Alsaden said. “It’s sort of unbelievable. I’m so proud to be able to go to work tomorrow and talk to my staff and give everyone a hug.”
Since the landmark Roe decision (which declared abortion constitutionally protected) was reversed by the nation’s highest court, this ballot measure was eagerly awaited.
In June, the court ruled that this right was overturned and that states were now able to regulate the medical procedure.
Tuesday’s ballot result is seen as a major victory for abortion rights advocates, given that Kansas is a conservative state in a region where abortion is severely restricted or banned.
The poll results showed that the measure was defeated by not only Democratic precincts but also rural counties.