Prop A Defeated – Amarillo, TX Voters Reject the First Abortion Travel Restriction Ballot Proposition in the Nation
AMARILLO, Texas – On November 5, 2024, Amarillo voters have decisively rejected Prop A, a measure driven by outside interests aimed at further restricting access to abortion care through a travel ban and deputizing vigilantes to enforce it through frivolous civil lawsuits. This victory affirms our community’s commitment to bodily autonomy and personal freedom.
Kat Browning, member of the Amarillo Reproductive Freedom Alliance (ARFA) said:“ This victory isn’t just about defeating Prop A—it’s about resisting outsiders trying to impose harmful anti-abortion laws on our community by running campaigns that purposely mislead voters. We were up against a lobbyist that has been successful in small rural towns because they didn't have an organized coalition to fight back. They thought they could steamroll into our town and win, but they were wrong. Texans will fight back against abortion bans, and when we organize our communities, we win.
This win is by and for Amarilloans who understand the importance of protecting our town from extremism. We want to thank all the volunteers, organizers, and supporters who dedicated themselves to this campaign. Our hard work will have a lasting impact, and we remain committed to protecting reproductive freedom in Amarillo and beyond.”
Avow Texas Executive Director Raven Freeborn said: “Prop A was the first time an abortion travel restriction was on the ballot anywhere across the nation since the overturn of Roe. Amarillo, a small town with an overwhelmingly conservative electorate, just rejected an anti-abortion travel ban by almost 20%. We are more committed than ever to organizing with Texans in every corner of this state to make abortion justice a reality. Abortion is more popular than either political party, and Amarillo voters just made that clear. Today we sent a strong message to the anti-abortion movement and lobby: abortion travel bans and any proposal that restricts abortion care is deeply unpopular and will not hold up with Texas voters. We remain committed to organizing communities across Texas to protect and restore abortion access.”
Blair Wallace, ACLU of Texas’ Reproductive Freedom Policy and Advocacy Strategist, said: “Amarillo residents have sent a clear message across our state: Texans want to protect reproductive freedom and we will continue to organize, educate, and advocate for a future where our community’s freedom to make personal medical decisions are respected. The defeat of Prop A reflects the power of local organizing and the unwavering commitment of Texans to resist government overreach. Our work to restore the right to make personal health care decisions doesn’t end on Election Day. We will keep advocating for our reproductive freedom, including access to abortion.”
Ground Game Texas’ Mars Rodriguez said: “Today’s victory reaffirms the vital importance and unmatched power of local, community-led organizing. The folks who formed ARFA aren’t seasoned political operatives, but they have been able to defeat an attempt by outside interests to further constrain abortion access because of their willingness to do the hard work of activating and educating their community. We hope what ARFA has built here in just over a year will inspire organizers across the state to stand up for their communities against these extremist attacks. We are grateful to have been able to offer practical support to their team, and we look forward to continuing to support the fight for reproductive freedom throughout Texas.”
