Language Barriers Complicate Abortion Ballot Measures in 10 U.S. States

Translating complex legal terms into Indigenous and immigrant languages presents challenges for voters and election officials.

Reproductive rights measures are up for vote in 10 states, with significant language translation challenges in areas where English is not the primary language.
The Voting Rights Act mandates translations in communities with high numbers of non-English speakers, but many Indigenous languages lack words for terms like 'abortion' and 'viability.'
In Colorado, Ute Mountain Ute translators face difficulties as their language lacks a direct word for 'abortion,' necessitating nuanced explanations at polling stations.
New York's Prop 1, which doesn't explicitly mention 'abortion' in English, complicates translation efforts, especially in Korean, where the term translates to 'drop the fetus.'
Efforts are underway to ensure all voters, including those in Indigenous and immigrant communities, have access to accurate and respectful translations of ballot measures.