Proposition 1: Constitutional Right to Reproductive Freedom

Proposition 1 is a measure placed on the ballot by California legislators to change the state’s constitution to explicitly protect individuals’ rights to choose abortion and contraceptives, according to the California Voter Guide.

While other state laws already protect these rights, supporters of the amendment argue that it is especially important to protect access to abortion and contraceptives after the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade.

“[Proposition 1] is a little bit redundant, but after Roe v. Wade was overturned this summer, I would say that 1 would definitely be something that a lot of Californians care about,” Hunt said.

But the proposition has been criticized for omitting when in pregnancy abortions will be allowed, according to NPR. Abortions are currently allowed up to ‘fetal viability’, or about 24 weeks into a pregnancy.  The ambiguous wording of the proposition means that it may be used to expand access to abortions later in pregnancy if California courts interpret the amendment that way, according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO). 

Opponents have also suggested that Proposition 1 could make California an abortion haven and overwhelm its clinics. They characterize the amendment as unnecessary and costly, though it has no direct fiscal impact on the state.

The interest groups for and against the proposition are mainly partisan– Democrats support it, while Republicans oppose it, according to Politico.