FACT BRIEFWould Nevada’s abortion ballot question allow non-doctors to perform abortions?
YES
Nevada law states that only a physician licensed by the state or employed by the government can provide abortion services.
A pro-abortion ballot question proposing to amend the state’s Constitution going before voters in the 2024 November election would specify that all individuals have a right to abortion “performed or administered by a qualified health care practitioner.”
While the proposed constitutional amendment does not directly define “qualified health care practitioner,” the term typically refers to a broader subset of health care providers that includes registered nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners or midwives, as well as physicians.
One 2022 study found that 19 states allow non-physicians to perform medication and procedural abortions.
This Fact Brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
Nevada Independent Indy Explains: What Question 6 would mean for abortion rights in Nevada
Nevada Secretary of State Proposed Amendment
Nevada Legislature MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH; ABORTION
Politico Blue states expand who can provide abortions as they brace for a flood of patients
CT.gov States Allowing Non-Physicians to Provide Abortion Services
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