Abortion ballot measures in four states are mobilizing religious organizations ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Yet new polling shows abortion has declined as a priority among voters across religious groups.
Pew Research Center found that 46% of registered voters consider abortion very important, compared with 56% in 2022. Economic concerns and democracy rank considerably higher. White evangelicals remain the most concerned religious group, with 58% ranking abortion as very important.
Missouri and Idaho Face Opposing Proposals
Missouri voters will consider repealing constitutional abortion protections approved in 2024. The proposal would reinstate substantial restrictions, with limited exceptions for medical emergencies, fetal anomalies, rape and incest.
Catholic bishops and Students for Life of America support the effort. But Catholics for Choice argues that religious leaders are attempting to overturn voters’ earlier decision.
Idaho voters face a proposal to legalize abortion until fetal viability. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated $1 million to a committee opposing the measure and encouraged members to vote against it.
Virginia and Nevada Consider Constitutional Protections
Virginia voters will decide whether to establish constitutional reproductive freedom protections. Catholic Bishop Michael Burbidge has mobilized clergy against the amendment, while the National Council of Jewish Women supports it.
Nevada voters will consider approving constitutional abortion protections for a second time. The proposal received 63% support in 2024, but Catholic and Latter-day Saint leaders are campaigning against its passage.
Religious Differences Shape Abortion Advocacy
Religious opposition to abortion varies considerably. Pew reports that 74% of white evangelicals favor making abortion illegal in most or all cases, while 57% of Catholics support legality.
Anti-abortion advocates emphasize protecting unborn lives and preventing abortion, including medication abortion. They argue that religious organizations have a legitimate role in shaping public policy.
Abortion rights advocates counter that restrictive laws threaten reproductive freedom and religious liberty. Jewish organizations particularly emphasize religious teachings permitting abortion when pregnancy threatens a woman’s health.
Both movements are building interfaith coalitions because religious Americans remain influential participants in abortion policy debates.
Source: Abortion is on midterm ballots in 4 states. Here’s what the polls — and faith groups — say.
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