The Post-Dobbs Pro-Life Battlefield: What We’ve Learned and What’s Next
On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturned Roe v. Wade. The majority opinion concluded that “the U.S. Constitution does not confer a right to abortion,” thereby restoring the authority to regulate abortion and protect life from conception to “the people and their elected representatives”.
While the long-sought and hard-fought overturning of Roe was a monumental victory for the pro-life movement, the Dobbs decision also opened the door to a new set of serious challenges. The battle quickly shifted to state-level regulations, where pro-life advocates now face intense, state-by-state fights to protect women and unborn lives.
Hard Lessons: Reflecting on the Pro-Life Movement’s Losses
In the immediate aftermath of Dobbs, the pro-life movement was unprepared for the rapid response of the opposition. Significant ballot initiatives began popping up across the nation, either expanding abortion access or blocking pro-life legislation. Each loss underscored the need for deeper, more precise voter engagement and education. Here’s a breakdown of those losses:
- Kansas (August 2, 2022)
Kansas voters rejected the Value Them Both Amendment, a vital measure that would have clarified that the state constitution does not support a so-called “right to abortion”. This heartbreaking defeat highlighted the power of emotional manipulation and the need for clearer, fact-based messaging to protect the unborn. - Kentucky (November 8, 2022)
Similar to Kansas, Kentucky voters also rejected an amendment affirming that the state constitution does not include a “right to abortion”. This loss not only underscores the need for clearer communication, but also emphasizes the importance of mobilizing voters to understand the profound moral and ethical stakes involved in defending life. Both outcomes reflect the challenge of countering emotional narratives with truth and clarity. - Michigan (November 8, 2022)
Proposal 3, a measure that enshrined “abortion rights” in the state’s constitution, was approved by a significant margin. The pro-abortion side successfully framed it as a protection of “personal freedom,” sidestepping the critical ethical discussions. - Montana (November 8, 2022)
The defeat of the Born-Alive Infant Protection Act, which would have ensured life-saving care for infants who survive abortion attempts, is a sobering reminder of how common-sense protections for the most vulnerable can be undermined by deceptive narratives. - California (November 8, 2022)
California voters passed Proposition 1, a radical measure that embedded an “unrestricted right to abortion” into the state’s constitution. This result underscores the daunting challenges pro-life advocates face in deeply pro-abortion states where life-affirming values are under relentless attack. - Vermont (November 8, 2022)
Vermont’s Proposal 5, which passed overwhelmingly, enshrined “reproductive autonomy” in the state constitution, allowing abortion at any stage of pregnancy. This tragic measure disregards the humanity of the unborn and promotes a culture of death over life. - Ohio (November 8, 2023)
Ohio voters not only rejected an attempt to make it harder to pass constitutional amendments, but also passed Issue 1, which codified reproductive rights in the state constitution, allowing abortion up to the point of fetal viability. This outcome emphasizes the critical need for a united and strategic pro-life effort to safeguard life in future elections. - Missouri (November 5, 2024)
Missouri’s Amendment 3 overturned the state’s abortion ban, permitting abortion in late pregnancy stages. This measure demonstrates the need to be pro-active when creating campaigns and address extremist policies with informed, engaged voter education. - Arizona (November 5, 2024)
Proposition 139 allowed abortion up to 24 weeks and replaced a previous 15-week ban. This win for pro-abortion advocates signals the need for pro-life strategies that can connect with Arizona voters. - Montana (November 5, 2024)
Montana’s CI-128 now restricts the state from limiting abortion before viability. This expansion of abortion access calls for renewed efforts in messaging that resonates with Montana’s unique demographics. - Maryland (November 5, 2024)
Question 1 enshrined abortion rights in the Maryland constitution, codifying abortion access up to viability. This result shows the persistence of pro-abortion narratives and the need to counter them effectively. - Colorado (November 5, 2024)
Amendment 79, cementing a right to abortion in Colorado’s constitution, repealed a prohibition on public funding for abortion. This major loss reflects the challenges of fighting a deeply entrenched pro-abortion stance in Colorado. - Nevada (November 5, 2024)
Question 6 enshrined abortion rights in Nevada’s constitution up to 24 weeks, with unclear definitions of “maternal health.” The passing of this measure emphasizes the importance of addressing ambiguous language in ballot initiatives. - New York (November 5, 2024)
New York’s Proposal 1 codified “reproductive healthcare and autonomy,” raising serious concerns about the long-term impact on pro-life protections in the state. This measure solidified the need for proactive engagement in similar states.
Key 2024 Pro-Life Victories: Turning the Tide
Amid intense challenges, the 2024 election cycle delivered powerful wins for the pro-life movement, proving that with focused, strategic engagement, we can inspire voters and protect life. These victories highlight how, when executed effectively, pro-life messaging can break through the noise and make a lasting impact. Here are the highlights:
- Florida (November 5, 2024)
Amendment 4, which aimed to remove parental consent requirements and allow late-term abortions, was decisively rejected. Through a targeted campaign that reached over 5 million voters, with 34 million impressions and 13 million video views, Floridians were empowered to see the risks and voted to preserve decades of pro-life protections. Cogency was proud to support efforts that helped Floridians make informed choices, securing a key victory for life. - West Virginia (November 5, 2024)
Pro-life advocates celebrated a victory with the passing of Amendment 1, which safeguards against assisted suicide and protects vulnerable populations. Engaging over 500,000 voters and generating nearly 3 million impressions, the campaign resonated deeply, reaffirming West Virginia’s commitment to life-affirming policies. Cogency’s involvement helped ensure this critical protection for West Virginians, underscoring the importance of tailored, issue-focused outreach. - Nebraska (November 5, 2024)
Voters in Nebraska approved a measure enshrining a 12-week abortion ban with exceptions for rape, incest, and the mother’s life, while rejecting a competing measure that would have permitted abortion until viability. This win reflected the power of clear, compassionate pro-life messaging aligned with Nebraska’s values. - South Dakota (November 5, 2024)
South Dakota voters defeated Constitutional Amendment G, which sought to implement a trimester-based framework that could weaken the state’s strong pro-life laws. This outcome reinforced South Dakota’s stance on protecting life and highlighted the effectiveness of voter engagement around maintaining life-affirming laws.
Cogency’s Role: A Strategic Path to Victory Going Forward
The past two years in the post-Dobbs landscape revealed a hard truth: the old playbook wasn’t working. So we rewrote it—and achieved decisive victories across key states in 2024. Our success this cycle shows that with focused, research-driven strategies, pro-life messaging can break through, engage voters, and inspire action.
The playbook to success includes:
- Targeted Messaging: Reaching voters on the issues that matter most—whether it’s parental rights or healthcare standards—ensuring every message resonates deeply. In Florida, we reached over 5 million voters and generated 34 million impressions, delivering a clear, impactful pro-life messages to different demographics.
- Education & Engagement: Providing compelling, fact-based narratives that dismantle the opposition’s tactics and drive lasting shifts in public opinion. Our engagement strategy in West Virginia connected with over 500,000 voters and resulted in nearly 3 million impressions, reinforcing life-affirming values.
- Voter Mobilization: Driving turnout where it counts most, especially in close states where a small margin can make the difference. Our efforts led to over 13 million video views, helping transform attention into decisive pro-life action.
- Fundraising for Impact: Bolstering financial support to fuel these efforts is essential. Raising over $700,000 in a matter of months, we fueled targeted campaigns that expanded our reach and empowered more voters, ensuring that every dollar drives strategic, measurable victories for life.
Through bold, data-driven strategy, targeted outreach, and impactful fundraising, Cogency is forging a legacy of life across the nation. Stand with us as we turn the tide for the pro-life movement—one decisive victory at a time.
