Nevada Judge’s Decision Denies Ballot Initiative, Affecting Prospective Change in Reproductive Rights.
Coalition’s Lawsuit
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
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
Russell expressed concerns about the initiative’s various subjects, calling it a “multitude of subjects that amount to logrolling.”
Origins of the Legal Battle
The legal battle originated from a petition filed by Nevadans for Reproductive Rights, a pro-abortion rights PAC.
Comprehensive Reproductive Rights
The proposed initiative aimed to embed comprehensive reproductive rights, including abortion, in the Nevada Constitution.
Lack of Clarity
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
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
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
Despite the setback, reproductive rights advocates, led by Nevadans for Reproductive Rights, have vowed to continue their fight.
Lindsey Harmon’s Statement
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
Harmon said that the group would appeal the decision and remain committed to providing Nevadans the opportunity to vote.
Harmon’s Warning
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
The next potential step for supporters is an appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court.
Reversal for a Path Forward
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
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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