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Nevada Abortion Laws and the 24-Week Limit

Abortion is legal in Nevada until 24 weeks of pregnancy, and voters protected that law in 1990. On November 3, 2026, they vote a second time on adding a right to abortion to the state constitution.

By Resist Now Published How we verify

Yes. Abortion is legal in Nevada until 24 weeks of pregnancy. After 24 weeks, a physician may perform one only to preserve the life or health of the pregnant patient, and only in a licensed hospital (NRS 442.250).

Key facts

  • Voters upheld the 24-week law in 1990, so the Legislature cannot change it without a vote of the people (NRS 442.250).
  • Question 6, which would add a right to abortion to the state constitution, passed with 64.36% in 2024.
  • It must pass again on November 3, 2026 to take effect (Ballotpedia).
  • A physician must explain the procedure and its risks and get the patient’s informed consent first (NRS 442.252).

Our abortion laws by state page compares Nevada with every other state.

The 1990 Nevada Abortion Referendum

In 1990, Nevada voters approved a referendum that upheld the state’s 24-week law, 63.47% to 36.53% (Ballotpedia). The statute itself says it “is not subject to legislative amendment or repeal.” Only another statewide vote can change it (NRS 442.250).

That protection is why Nevada’s law did not change after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. A statute, though, is not the same as a constitutional right, which is what Question 6 would add.

Question 6, the Nevada Right to Abortion Amendment

Question 6 would put a right to abortion in the Nevada Constitution. The state could regulate abortion only after fetal viability, and even then not when care is needed to protect the patient’s life or health. Voters approved it on November 5, 2024, 905,170 to 501,232. A citizen amendment must pass in two general elections, so it is on the ballot again on November 3, 2026 (Ballotpedia).

Nevada abortion law now and if Question 6 passes again

TodayIf Question 6 passes on November 3, 2026
Where the protection livesA state statute, NRS 442.250The state constitution
Who can change itOnly the voters, by referendumOnly the voters, by constitutional amendment
Limit24 weeks, then only for life or healthRegulation allowed after fetal viability, except for life or health

Source: NRS 442.250; Ballotpedia, Nevada Right to Abortion Initiative (2024)

Question 6 shares the November ballot with one other measure, Question 7, a voter ID amendment that is also up for its second vote (Ballotpedia).

Nevada Abortion Rules That Apply Today

Nevada law requires informed consent before an abortion. A physician or another qualified person must talk the patient through it in person. They confirm the pregnancy and its stage, explain the procedure and its risks, and offer to answer questions (NRS 442.252 and 442.253).

Some abortions must be done in a licensed hospital: any after 24 weeks, and any where the physician judges the fetus could survive outside the womb. The physician must record the reason in the patient’s file (NRS 442.250).

Where Things Stand

Nevada abortion laws

As of October 3, 2026

  • Abortion limit (NRS 442.250) Law, Legal until 24 weeks

    After 24 weeks, only to preserve the life or health of the pregnant patient, and only in a hospital. (source)

  • 1990 referendum Law, Voters must approve any change

    Voters upheld the 24-week law in 1990, so the Legislature cannot amend or repeal it on its own. (source)

  • Question 6, the right to abortion amendment Proposal, Second vote November 3, 2026

    Approved with 64.36% on November 5, 2024. It enters the state constitution only if voters approve it again. (source)

Source: Nevada Revised Statutes, chapter 442; Ballotpedia

Nevada Abortion Questions

Is abortion legal in Nevada?

Yes, until 24 weeks of pregnancy. After that, a physician may perform one only to preserve the patient’s life or health, in a licensed hospital.

What is Question 6 on the 2026 Nevada ballot?

A constitutional amendment for a right to abortion, with state regulation allowed after fetal viability except to protect the patient’s life or health. Voters approved it with 64.36% in 2024, and it must pass again on November 3, 2026 to take effect.

Can the Nevada Legislature ban abortion?

Not on its own. Voters upheld the 24-week law by referendum in 1990, and the statute says it cannot be amended or repealed by the Legislature; only a statewide vote can change it.

What You Can Do

  1. Vote on Question 6 on November 3. Check your registration on the Secretary of State’s voter site; you can also register at your polling place.
  2. Read the measure’s full text before you vote; Ballotpedia publishes it with the 2024 results.
  3. Compare other states on our abortion laws by state page.
  4. See the other races on the ballot in our Nevada governor race guide.