Arkansas Abortion Rights Halted by State Supreme Court

The Arkansas Supreme Court ruled that an abortion rights measure will not appear on the state ballot in November as activists failed to file required paperwork. This decision is a setback for those advocating for abortion rights in the state, which currently bans most abortions.

The Arkansas Supreme Court delivered a major setback to abortion rights activists on Thursday, ruling that a proposed measure to amend the state constitution would not appear on the November ballot due to incomplete paperwork.

This move blocks voters from deciding whether Arkansas should permit abortions up to 18 weeks of pregnancy. The state currently bans nearly all abortions except in cases of medical emergencies, rape, and incest.

Activists had collected over 102,000 signatures, surpassing the required 90,700. However, a 4-3 court decision ruled that only signatures from unpaid canvassers were valid, falling short of the threshold. The Secretary of State supported this ruling, citing non-compliance with state law regarding canvasser training documents.

(With inputs from agencies.)