By Gracie Brocato
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
BALTIMORE – Abortion rights and reproductive freedoms will be on the Maryland ballot in 2024 as Question 1.
Cover Photo created by Microsoft Copilot
The State of Maryland currently lacks constitutional protections that guarantee the right to reproductive freedom and abortion access. Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022, abortion policy decisions now lie within the states, prompting the creation of Question 1 on the Maryland ballot.
A “yes” vote on Maryland’s Question 1 supports adding a new article to the Maryland Constitution’s Declaration of Rights, establishing a right to reproductive freedom. This will include the ability to make and effectuate decisions to prevent, continue, or end one’s own pregnancy.
A “no” vote opposes amending the state constitution to establish a right to reproductive freedom.
“It enshrines reproductive rights,” says Wendy Frosh of Freedom in Reproduction Maryland. “This will mean that in addition to protecting individuals’ rights to essential medical care, medical schools in Maryland can continue to train providers—physicians, advanced practice nurse practitioners, advanced practice certified midwives—and ensure we’ll be able to avoid becoming an ‘OB/GYN desert’ as we’re seeing in states where bans have been enacted.”
Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, some states have criminalized abortion, while others have enhanced protections.
“We are making it very clear to Marylanders that this is a personal issue, that individuals think deeply about whether to become pregnant, maintain a pregnancy, or terminate a pregnancy,” says Frosh. “It’s not always an easy decision and it is not helped when there is a governor or legislator or another politician sitting in the doctor’s office telling you what you can and cannot do with your body.”
Younger individuals are particularly excited to vote this coming election season. Personal research and education on the topic can serve as a guide to cast an educated vote.
“In my public health classes, we focus on healthcare, policies, and prevention programs to minimize health disparities among women based on race and socioeconomic status,” says Julia Hoban, a University of Maryland student majoring in public health. “Public health prioritizes individual choice, encouraging informed decisions regarding health and access to resources.”
As a matter of basic human rights has become an issue you can vote on, the issue of reproductive rights and access has become a daily conversation, whether in the news, among friends and family, or within the classroom.
“The experience of a college course classroom where you’re exposed to so many different opinions from people in your own peer group, your demographic, students your age that look like you, dress like you, and have a completely different point of view than you,” says Towson University health sciences professor Cindi Lamb Wiley. “It’s exposure to people who are just like you that I think are going to make a difference.”
Marylanders will have the opportunity to make a difference on Tuesday, Nov. 5, by casting their vote on Question 1. You can vote in person during early voting, on Election Day at your assigned polling place, or by mail-in ballot.
Headline & Cover Photo created by Microsoft Copilot
AP Style & Grammar checked by Microsoft Copilot