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Over two years ago, the United States Supreme Court upended Roe v. Wade. In doing so, this kicked abortion regulations to the state level, allowing each one to determine its own laws surrounding the medical procedure.

Republican-controlled legislatures have thus implemented heartbeat bills and other laws designed to restrict access. Blue states, on the other hand, frame abortion as a bodily autonomy issue and are encouraging women across the country to seek services, should they find themselves wanting to terminate a pregnancy.

Meanwhile, abortion ballot initiatives, meant to legalize the procedure in state constitutions, are popping up across the nation. Voters widely back such measures, even in red areas like Kansas.

This year, Florida, Arizona, Missouri, Colorado, Nevada, South Dakota, and Maryland each have abortion initiatives on the ballot; though Republican leaders are urging the electorate to vote against them.

In November, abortion will undoubtedly play a key role in whether Vice President Harris or former President Trump wins. In the meantime, new polling from KFF provides some insight into how women across America are perceiving this hot-button issue.

Women across the political spectrum don't back states' rights on this issue

Most women between the ages of 18 and 49 aren't supportive of states getting to individually pick and choose how they handle abortion. KFF's findings revealed this sentiment holds true amongst 73% of Independent women, 88% of Democratic women, and even 53% of Republican women.

Unsurprisingly, female voters who reside in places with strict abortion limits are less likely to favor states' rights on this issue. Today, roughly 14 states have outlawed pregnancy termination, while six others implemented cutoff periods that range anywhere from six to 15 weeks.

Abortion limits continue to come under criticism for a multitude of reasons. Some people argue that certain restrictions kick into effect before women even know they're pregnant. Then, there are concerns about a lack of exceptions for rape and incest in certain states.

A major cornerstone of 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris is repeatedly discussing abortion and greater reproductive rights issues as she campaigns for the White House.

In doing so, Harris has promised to sign legislation that would codify Roe v. Wade as federal law. If this happens, it will undo rigid, state-level restrictions on abortion that currently remain in effect.