![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/us-midterms-why-abortion-matters-in-these-crucial-elections/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/125798050_hi076912464.jpg&description=Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Activists in Michigan campaign for abortion rights ahead of ballotI met Susan Van Hoek at a pro-choice women's demonstration in Michigan's capital, Lansing. As she stood there with a placard, wearing her long grey hair loose, she remembered marching for abortion rights 50 years ago and couldn't believe she had to do it again.With tears in her eyes she told me it was difficult to find the words to express how disappointed she was when the 1973 Roe v Wade ruling - which guaranteed nationwide protection for abortion rights - was reversed by the Supreme Court earlier this year."It feels like going back into a type of slavery and control, where other people get to decide they will suborn me," she said.Thirteen states banned or severely restricted abortion after the right to the procedure was struck down at federal level this summer, leaving states to make their own rules.On 8 November, voters will determine abortion laws in at least five more, by either upholding or rejecting amendments in their state constitutions on access to the procedure. In California, Michigan and Vermont, it may result in enhanced access, while Kentucky and Montana could restrict abortions.The votes are being held on the same day as midterm elections across the US, which will decide which party - Democrats or Republicans - holds power in Congress. Democrats nationwide have made abortion access central to their messaging. Media caption, Watch: Abortion will decide Paxton and Melanie's vote - but for different reasons.Opinion polls suggest about two-thirds of voters across America want guaranteed abortion rights - and if they turn out to vote as a result, it will help President Biden's party win seats and possibly even retain control of Congress."The [Supreme Court] decision has motivated increased voter registration among women, but we will need to see if that energy translates into showing up at the polls on election day," said Laura Lindberg, a professor a){kind=link}
I met Susan Van Hoek at a pro-choice women’s demonstration in Michigan’s capital, Lansing. As she stood there with a placard, wearing her long grey hair loose, she remembered marching for abortion rights 50 years ago and couldn’t believe she had to do it again.
With tears in her eyes she told me it was difficult to find the words to express how disappointed she was when the 1973 Roe v Wade ruling – which guaranteed nationwide protection for abortion rights – was reversed by the Supreme Court earlier this year.
“It feels like going back into a type of slavery and control, where other people get to decide they will suborn me,” she said.
Thirteen states banned or severely restricted abortion after the right to the procedure was struck down at federal level this summer, leaving states to make their own rules.
On 8 November, voters will determine abortion laws in at least five more, by either upholding or rejecting amendments in their state constitutions on access to the procedure. In California, Michigan and Vermont, it may result in enhanced access, while Kentucky and Montana could restrict abortions.