United States | Direct democracy

Kamalamania and the drive for abortion rights are a potent mix

Referendums in ten states will determine the future of abortion access—and may tilt the presidential election

Women wear jackets that read '#4 Women,' in reference to the passage of Florida Amendment 4, Right to Abortion Initiative.
Photograph: EPA
|MIAMI

ESTHER De Varona, a 77-year-old activist, wants her fellow Miamianos to vote in November to enshrine a right to abortion in Florida, one of ten states holding a referendum this year on whether to make this part of their state constitution (see map). Ms De Varona and her group, Cuban American Women Supporting Democracy, have learned to stay away from phrases like “abortion rights” and to focus relentlessly on “the health of the woman”, she says. Polls suggest they are within striking distance of the 60% majority needed to pass the initiative in Florida.

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This article appeared in the United States section of the print edition under the headline “Back on the ballot”

From the September 28th 2024 edition

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