Arizona voters will get the chance to make a historic decision this November as they vote on whether to add the right to an abortion to the state constitution. The Arizona secretary of state’s office recently announced that a record-breaking 577,971 signatures have been certified, exceeding the required number for the ballot measure to proceed.

The coalition behind the initiative, Arizona for Abortion Access, hailed the certification as a significant milestone, with campaign manager Cheryl Bruce expressing optimism about the upcoming vote. Democrats have been emphasizing abortion rights since the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, making it a key issue in this year’s elections.

Aside from Arizona, similar measures are set to go before voters in Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Nevada, New York, and South Dakota. At present, Arizona law prohibits abortions after 15 weeks, imposing restrictions on the procedure. The proposed amendment aims to allow abortions up until the point where a fetus could survive outside the womb, typically around 24 weeks, with specific exceptions.

Opponents of the measure argue that it goes too far, potentially opening the door to unregulated abortions in the state. Advocates, on the other hand, highlight the constitutional protection that an amendment would provide for abortion rights. The recent repeal of an 1864 abortion ban in Arizona further underscores the ongoing debate surrounding reproductive rights in the state.

As the nation grapples with evolving perspectives on abortion, the Arizona ballot measure signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about women’s access to reproductive healthcare. It is a timely reminder of the significance of civic engagement and the power of individual voices in shaping public policy.