A proposed state constitutional amendment enshrining the right to reproductive freedom in Maryland has passed. Reproductive rights advocates say that the amendment will protect abortion access in the state and that it prevents lawmakers from “directly or indirectly” denying or abridging the right to an abortion “unless justified by a compelling state interest.

Maryland ballot Question 1 asks voters if the state should protect abortion rights with a constitutional amendment.

The amendment says the state may not interfere with that right “unless justified by a compelling state interest achieved by the least restrictive means.”