1992 Maryland Question 6

1992 Maryland Question 6 results by county

1992 Maryland Question 6 was a significant referendum that took place in the state of Maryland in the year 1992. This referendum was pivotal in the history of abortion rights within the state, as it addressed the public's stance on abortion laws following the landmark United States Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade in 1973. The question presented to Maryland voters was whether they supported or opposed a 1991 state law that aimed to protect the right to abortion by codifying the provisions of Roe v. Wade, essentially ensuring that the right to choose an abortion would remain protected in Maryland even if Roe v. Wade were to be overturned in the future.

Background

The early 1990s were a tumultuous time for abortion rights in the United States. Several states had begun to enact legislation aimed at restricting access to abortion, leading to a national debate over the issue. In response to these developments and the growing concern that the Supreme Court might reverse Roe v. Wade, the Maryland General Assembly passed a law in 1991 designed to safeguard abortion rights within the state. This law stipulated that a woman could seek an abortion until the fetus was viable outside the womb, typically around 24 weeks of pregnancy. After viability, abortions were permitted only if the woman's life or health was in danger, or in cases of severe fetal abnormalities.

The Referendum

The passage of the 1991 law was met with immediate opposition from anti-abortion groups, who quickly mobilized to force a referendum on the issue, pursuant to Maryland's laws allowing for public referenda on recently passed legislation. This led to the placement of Question 6 on the 1992 general election ballot, asking Maryland voters to decide whether the 1991 abortion rights law should stand.

Campaign

The campaign surrounding Question 6 was highly charged, with both supporters and opponents of the law mobilizing significant resources to sway public opinion. Pro-choice advocates argued that the law was a necessary protection for women's health and autonomy, emphasizing the importance of keeping abortion safe, legal, and accessible. Conversely, anti-abortion campaigners focused on moral and ethical objections to abortion, seeking to persuade voters to reject the law in order to protect fetal life.

Outcome

On November 3, 1992, Maryland voters decisively approved Question 6, with approximately 62% voting in favor of retaining the 1991 law. This result was seen as a significant victory for abortion rights advocates, not only in Maryland but across the United States, as it was one of the first instances where voters directly affirmed the principles of Roe v. Wade at the ballot box.

Aftermath

The approval of Question 6 solidified Maryland's status as a state supportive of abortion rights. It also had broader implications for the national debate on abortion, demonstrating public support for maintaining legal access to abortion services. In the years following the referendum, Maryland has continued to enact legislation aimed at protecting and expanding access to reproductive health services, further reinforcing the state's commitment to upholding the principles affirmed by voters in 1992.