Nevada Judge’s Decision Denies Ballot Initiative, Affecting Prospective Change in Reproductive Rights.
Coalition’s Lawsuit
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The decision follows a lawsuit by the Coalition for Parents and Children PAC, which argued against the initiative, deeming it too broad.
Single Subject Rule Violation
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District Judge James T. Russell sided with the PAC, stating that the initiative violated the single-subject rule due to its encompassing nature.
Lack of Functional Relationship
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Russell expressed concerns about the initiative’s various subjects, calling it a “multitude of subjects that amount to logrolling.”
Origins of the Legal Battle
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The legal battle originated from a petition filed by Nevadans for Reproductive Rights, a pro-abortion rights PAC.
Comprehensive Reproductive Rights
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The proposed initiative aimed to embed comprehensive reproductive rights, including abortion, in the Nevada Constitution.
Lack of Clarity
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Russell also raised concerns about the lack of clarity regarding the initiative’s implications, “I’ve seen a lot of them over the years and in respect to this particular matter, there are too many subjects,” he said.
Lack of Related Subjects
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The judge claimed that the subjects are not all “functionally related to each other,” but what are the subjects?
Women’s Rights Could Take a Large Leap
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The initiative would give women a choice about “pregnancy, including, without limitation, prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, birth control, vasectomy, tubal ligation, abortion, abortion care, management of a miscarriage and infertility care.”
Advocates Vow to Continue
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Despite the setback, reproductive rights advocates, led by Nevadans for Reproductive Rights, have vowed to continue their fight.
Lindsey Harmon’s Statement
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Lindsey Harmon, president of the pro-abortion rights PAC, stated, “Nevadans overwhelmingly support putting reproductive rights into our state constitution,” before revealing their next move.
A Commitment to Change
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Harmon said that the group would appeal the decision and remain committed to providing Nevadans the opportunity to vote.
Harmon’s Warning
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Harmon warned, “voters should be aware that anti-abortion advocates still have plenty of state government allies who are willing to help them undermine reproductive freedom.”
Potential Appeal to Nevada Supreme Court
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The next potential step for supporters is an appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court.
Reversal for a Path Forward
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If the decision is reversed, supporters would need to gather over 100,000 signatures by July 8 for the initiative to qualify for the 2024 ballot.
Contrasting with Ohio’s Precedent
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The rejection in Nevada stands in contrast to Ohio, which recently protected abortion access through a successful ballot initiative.
The post Nevada Judge Rules Against Health Initiative, Impacting Women’s Reproductive Health Options first appeared on Pulse of Pride.
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