Mental health emerges as a dividing line in abortion rights initiatives planned for state ballots

Abortion rights advocates are trying to get initiatives to protect reproductive health on the ballot in several states this year .

A Missouri proposal would allow lawmakers to restrict abortions after a fetus is considered viable, except if an abortion is needed to protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant person.

At least 10 states explicitly exclude mental health conditions as a possible exception.

Former president of the American Psychiatric Association: Exclusion of mental health exceptions in ballot measures is "absolutely cruel" Arkansas 's attorney general rejected a proposal with exceptions to “protect the life and health” of the mother, a Republican , rejected the language.

Arkansas advocates were also worried the opposition campaign would target a mental health exception.