Lindsey Harmon, President, Nevadans for Reproductive Freedom, speaks during a news conference by Nevadans for Reproductive Freedom, Monday, May 20, 2024, in Las Vegas. Abortion access advocates in Nevada said Monday they've submitted twice the number of petition signatures needed to qualify for a ballot measure aimed at enshrining what they term reproductive rights in the state constitution. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Wait—I thought abortion was protected in Nevada? Here’s the real story
In 2024, Nevadans overwhelmingly voted to pass “Question 6” at the ballot box. Question 6 was the “Right to Abortion Initiative,” and by voting for it, almost a million Nevadans said they believed all individuals in the state should have the fundamental right to an abortion until the time of fetal viability (around 24 weeks). Beyond that time, voters said, abortions should be legal in those rare instances when a health care provider believes one would save the health or life of the patient.
But that was just the first step. In order for Nevadans to lock those protections into the state constitution, state law says they need to pass Question 6 twice. The next vote on Question 6 will be in 2026.
Until then, abortion is protected by state law in Nevada, but those protections do not exist in the state’s constitution.
What’s legal now?
State law permits any person in Nevada to have a legal abortion performed by a licensed provider within the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. Emergency abortions after 24 weeks are also legal if they’ll save the health or life of the patient.
So why is Question 6 necessary?
If state law currently protects abortion, why is it necessary for voters to pass them as a constitutional amendment?
First, in 2024, local Republicans attempted to keep Question 6 off the ballot—but were rejected by the Nevada State Supreme Court. The Nevada Republican Party also applauded when the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
State laws in Nevada can be changed easier than constitutional amendments. Voters legalized abortion through a referendum in 1990. That state law could be undone with another voter referendum. If abortion were to be protected under a constitutional amendment it would be significantly more difficult to undo.
Passing Question 6 also sends a strong message about Nevada’s commitment to reproductive rights, for now and for the future generations in the state.
Why did NV governor veto this medical privacy bill?
The Nevada Legislature passed a bill in May that would protect the privacy of doctors and patients, but Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo vetoed it.
Trump administration hands over Medicaid recipients’ personal data, including addresses, to ICE
WASHINGTON (AP) — Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials will be given access to the personal data of the nation’s 79 million Medicaid...
Broadacres Marketplace vendor describes the impact closure has had
When Broadacres Marketplace would normally be filled with hundreds of visitors dancing, shopping, and enjoying themselves, the market announced it...
As of July 9 more than 400 people are in ICE custody in Southern Nevada
Mike Kagan, Director of the UNLV Immigration Clinic, shared that as of July 9 more than 400 people are in ICE custody at the two Southern Nevada...
Nevada Senator secured upwards of $5 million for affordable housing in Nevada
As Nevada lawmakers push for more affordable housing, Trump’s tariff plan and economic policies may worsen the crisis. US Sen. Catherine Cortez...
Cómo hacer citas en el Consulado de México en Las Vegas
Si eres un mexicano viviendo en los EE. UU., particularmente en Las Vegas, y necesitas realizar algún trámite consular, ya sea que necesites renovar...
