Evaluating the Success of Question 6: A Case Study of Abortion Politics in Maryland, 1990-1992

Abstract

On November 3, 1992, 1.1 million Marylanders voted for Question 6 at their local polling place, making Maryland one of only seven states to have codified Roe v. Wade into their state laws (“State Policies” 1). The successful campaign waged by Maryland Democrats and pro-choice activists ensured that, even if the Supreme Court were to reverse Roe, women in Maryland would maintain the right to choose abortion during their first trimester. Despite its historic significance, the story of this campaign has been lost over the past two decades. With the resurgence of direct democracy being used to decide abortion policy at the state level in recent years, the story of Maryland’s campaign can offer critical, reflective lessons on the topic