Abortion is a hot topic in the November elections on many levels, but particularly in Colorado’s ballot, which features Amendment 79 – a proposed change that would enshrine the state’s protections against abortion in the state constitution. the state.

The fate of access to abortion is currently being determined by states following the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade — who for decades had established a basic right to abortion — by the U.S. Supreme Court. Our ongoing Voter Voices survey with other Colorado media outlets shows that abortion is among the top five issues among the thousands of voters who responded, with self-identified liberals particularly concerned about potential restrictions.

Since the Supreme Court’s decision, 13 states – mostly in the southern United States – have either banned abortion or brought pre-existing bans into effect. These are among 21 states that the New York Times considers to ban the procedure or limit it earlier in pregnancy than Roe v. Wade hadn’t authorized it.

Colorado, where abortion services are available at any stage of pregnancy, is among 29 states where abortion is largely legal, either by law or because bans have been blocked by the courts, although some states impose restrictions later in the pregnancy, the Times says.

If abortion is a major concern to you – whatever your opinion on it – this is where your vote has the most impact.

The presidential race

The U.S. president can impact abortion by proposing laws, signing or vetoing bills, and passing administrative regulations. The chief executive also appoints judges and justices who will interpret the laws on the matter.

This year’s major party candidates differ significantly on abortion.

Former President Donald Trump, once again the Republican candidate, has had shifting positions in his stance on abortion. As president, he named three of the five Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, and he claimed responsibility for its overturning. He argues that abortion should be an issue left to the states.

Trump recently said he would veto a nationwide ban on abortion and said he believes in exceptions, including for rape, incest and life-threatening situations for pregnant women. But he also favors restrictions: In his home state of Florida, he has said publicly that he will vote this fall against a ballot measure that would overturn that state’s six-week abortion ban.

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, has also pledged to block a federal ban on abortion. And as part of her platform, she pledged to sign any Congressional legislation restoring national protections for abortion access.

Harris says the issue also encompasses access to in vitro fertilization treatments, contraception and other methods of reproductive health care.

Congressional races

Congress, along with the president, has more power in the post-Roe era to enact nationwide protections as well as restrictions on abortion, depending on whether the House and Senate reach an agreement — and that the president sign the resulting legislation. Congress can also decide to retain, modify or repeal the Hyde Amendment, which in most cases prohibits the use of federal funds to finance abortions.

Candidates vying to represent Colorado in Congress in the November elections are split along party lines on the issue of abortion, with all Democrats running in the state’s eight congressional districts expressing support for reinstating the access to abortion nationally by adopting legislation.

Republicans say they are largely opposed to such legislation, with several saying they would support national action to restrict abortion.

Electoral measures

This is where Colorado voters will have the most direct say this year: Amendment 79 would elevate Colorado’s existing protections for abortion access in the state constitution. It would also allow state and local governments to fund abortion services by repealing an amendment passed in 1984 that prohibited the use of public money for that purpose.

This would potentially allow the state to include abortion coverage under Medicaid and government employee health insurance plans, but that would require additional measures.

To pass, the proposal requires the support of 55% of voters since it would amend the constitution.

State legislative races

State government is currently under Democratic control in the House, Senate and governor’s office. The House operates with a Democratic supermajority of 46-19, while the Senate is led by a majority of 23-12. In the fall elections, Democrats strive to maintain or expand their majority, while the Republicans hope to reduce it.