Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

A proposed amendment to the Arkansas Constitution aimed at allowing unrestricted abortion within 18 weeks of fertilization has failed to qualify for the November ballot. According to Arkansas Right to Life, Secretary of State John Thurston disqualified the proposal due to non-compliance with state laws, specifically the failure to identify paid canvassers by name.

Arkansans for Limited Government, the group behind the petition, claimed in a July 5 affidavit that it had gathered enough signatures to place the measure on the ballot. Currently, abortion in Arkansas is illegal except when necessary to save the life of the mother.

"Today we are happy to send you the good news that the petition to place the terrible Arkansas Abortion Amendment on our voting ballots has been rejected by our Secretary of State," Catherine Phillips, Little Rock diocesan respect life director, wrote in an email on July 10. "Of course, there will probably be legal challenges to this ruling, but today many prayers have been answered."

The group announced it had collected over 100,000 signatures; however, Thurston's office validated only 87,382 of them—3,322 short of the required 90,704. In addition to failing to meet signature requirements, Thurston cited non-compliance with a law mandating identification of paid canvassers.

In response to Thurston's decision, Arkansans for Limited Government expressed its dissatisfaction: "We will fight this ridiculous disqualification attempt with everything we have. We will not back down."

Rose Mimms from Arkansas Right to Life appreciated Thurston's diligence and anticipated further efforts toward making abortion legal in Arkansas: "We expect this is not the end of efforts... Arkansas Right to Life will continue its mission... through education and legislation."

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor had previously opposed the amendment through a "Decline to Sign" campaign initiated by the Diocese of Little Rock in March. The campaign included distributing informational materials across parishes.

Following Roe v. Wade's overturning on June 24, 2022, Mimms noted that Arkansas expected challenges as it is considered a leading pro-life state.

Currently certified for November ballots are abortion-related measures in Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Nevada and South Dakota. New York state recently saw an Equal Rights Amendment removed from its ballot due to procedural issues.