On Tuesday, November 4th, Maryland voters came through and voted to protect women’s reproductive rights in the state by voting overwhelmingly in favor of Question 1, the Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment.

This vote marks an important moment in Maryland history, as it now protects women’s health in the state for the foreseeable future. According to an Associated Press post, after the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022, lawmakers in Maryland began discussing a plan to put an amendment on the ballot and, in 2023, voted to do so.  

Maryland was not the only state to take action after Roe v. Wade was overturned. According to Sofia Resnick from the New Hampshire Bulletin, seven other states have approved legislation or a form of reproductive rights including, Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, and New York. She also reported that several additional states put reproductive rights on the ballot, but voters did not approve. This included Florida and South Dakota. Two others – Nevada and Montana – are still awaiting final results.  

In Maryland, there had been an inside voice for women concerning reproductive rights that helped lead the way on the ballot question. According to a post by Carissa DiMargo of  NBC Washington News, during the campaign, newly elected Maryland Senator  Angela Alsobrooks mentioned her dedication to fighting for abortion rights. With strong election turnout in the state and Alsobrooks’ backing, the result of the vote in favor of the amendment did not come as a shock.

For women around the world, reproductive rights are very important. Sophia Hashim-Cole, a PB twelfth grader, stated that she is “proud to live in the state of Maryland” after being informed of this new law being in place. She added that she is “happy to say women’s voices are being heard.” 

PB eleventh grader Samirah Kingnabi also expressed her strong opinion on the new amendment saying, “I think women should have the right to do what they want with their bodies”.