Record Spending on Abortion Rights Campaigns
This financial influx is reflected in the advertising expenditures of the campaigns, with data from media tracking firm AdImpact showing that proponents of abortion rights are spending three times more on advertisements across television, streaming services, radio, and websites compared to opposing groups. This heightened investment comes at a critical juncture in the campaign season, where contributions are flowing in as the ballots approach.
Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, which removed the nationwide right to abortion and opened the door for restrictive laws in Republican-controlled states, abortion-rights supporters have successfully backed all seven ballot measures that have appeared before voters. This year, Florida leads the charge in abortion ballot initiatives.
Florida: A Battleground for Abortion Rights
In Florida, supporters of the abortion rights measure have raised over $75 million, while opponents have gathered more than $10 million. Collectively, these figures account for nearly half of the national total for abortion-related ballot initiatives. The Republican Party in Florida is leveraging additional funds from corporations nationwide to urge voters to reject this measure. Nevertheless, proponents maintain a strong lead in advertising expenditures, spending $60 million compared to the opposition’s $27 million.
The proposed amendment seeks to overturn a ban on most abortions after the first six weeks of pregnancy—a timeframe when many women may not yet realize they are pregnant. This ban was enacted by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis and took effect in May. The DeSantis administration is actively working to defeat the amendment campaign.
South Dakota: A Key Player in the Funding Landscape
In South Dakota, a crucial state for anti-abortion funding, campaign finance data indicates that abortion rights advocates have raised about $1 million compared to approximately $2 million for their opponents. A recent boost for abortion rights came when Dakotans for Health reported a $540,000 donation from Think Big America, a fund established by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, enhancing the visibility of their advertisements in a tight race.
Historically, national abortion-rights groups, such as Planned Parenthood Federation of America, have overlooked South Dakota, citing insufficient progress on ballot measures. However, the current measure allows for abortions after the first 12 weeks if related to the woman’s health, striking a balance between extreme positions.
Nebraska and Other States: Competing Measures on the Ballot
In Nebraska, two competing ballot measures are set to face voters. One would allow abortions until viability, considered at approximately 20 weeks, while the other seeks to impose a ban after the first 12 weeks, mirroring current state laws but allowing for a more stringent ban. The side advocating for maintaining restrictions has raised at least $9.8 million, with significant contributions from Republican U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts and his family.
In contrast, abortion rights supporters across various states, including Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, Montana, and Nevada, are reporting fundraising successes. In Missouri, supporters of a measure to block existing state restrictions have raised over $30 million against opponents’ $1.5 million.
National Trends in Abortion Funding
The dynamic landscape of funding for abortion rights indicates a marked advantage for advocates in many areas. States like Arizona and Colorado already have progressive stances on abortion, while others are witnessing a clash of measures aiming to define the limits of abortion access.
With a significant financial backing in the lead-up to these ballot measures, the ongoing campaigns signal a pivotal moment in the national conversation around reproductive rights, further complicating the political landscape as the 2024 elections draw near. The outcomes of these initiatives will be closely watched, as they could shape abortion policy in their respective states and beyond.
