Missouri Republicans gave the green light to a new referendum on Wednesday, aiming to repeal the recent amendment that permitted state abortions throughout pregnancy.
The proposed constitutional changes could occur even sooner if voters decide to proceed in November 2026, or if Governor Mike Kehoe calls for a special election, as reported by the Associated Press. The legislation, known as House Joint Resolution 73, aims to safeguard pregnant fetuses, with exceptions for fetal abnormalities, medical emergencies, rape, and incest up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.
“Abortion is now the biggest tragedy in the world,” remarked Republican State Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman, when discussing her push to repeal Amendment 3, which had been approved in November 2024. She suggested that “tracing the life of an innocent person will probably justify what you want.”
According to Susan B. Anthony Prolife America, Missouri will become the first state to present a life support amendment to voters after a well-known voting measure.
The organization expressed approval of the Missouri Legislature for advancing this amendment, emphasizing its goal to save lives and uphold parents’ rights. They urged GOP leaders in Missouri and beyond to strongly support this initiative.
“When GOP leaders get involved, they tend to win abortion-related voting measures, as the campaign from the abortion lobby gets exposed and its claims are challenged,” the organization noted. “Missouri Republicans must be committed to advocating the necessity for Governor Ron DeSantis and Senator Pete Ricketts to rescind any plans that undermine the basic rights of babies, parents, women, and girls in the upcoming voting battles in 2024.”
Related: Abortion measures pass in 7 states and fail in 3
After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, Missouri enforced stricter abortion laws. In reaction, abortion rights activists managed to gather enough signatures to propose Amendment 3, which was subsequently approved by voters with nearly 52% support.
Correction 3 states that “abortions are allowed up to the viability of a fetus, generally regarded as around 24 weeks of pregnancy. This amendment grants healthcare professionals the discretion to perform abortions if deemed necessary for the life and physical or mental health of a pregnant individual.”
Additionally, the measure states:
The government shall not deny or impede an individual’s fundamental right to reproductive freedom, which includes making all decisions related to reproductive health, such as prenatal care, childbirth, family planning, abortion, and miscarriage management.
The right to reproductive freedom is protected from denial, interference, delay, or restriction unless the government can substantiate its actions with compelling interests executed by the least intrusive means. Any such restrictions are deemed presumptively invalid.
The measure also specifies that “no one will face punishment, prosecution, or adverse treatment” based on pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion.
“Supporters assisting individuals in exercising their reproductive rights, with consent, will also not face punitive measures,” the measure asserts.
“While many in Missouri are generally against most abortions, they tend to support options with limited exceptions,” explained Samley, director of Campaign Life Missouri.
Samley further commented, “Even though voters were persuaded beforehand, there were instances of lawsuits connected to the abortion lobby that attempted late-term abortions, bypassed parental consent, and sought to eliminate all safety regulations in the industry. Amendment 3 feels excessively extreme and risky.”
Democrats and abortion rights advocates criticized the pro-life initiatives, with State Senator Tracy McCleery labeling it as “an effort to mislead voters and spread falsehoods.”
“The abortion rights that were won in this state half a year ago will be defended. The people of Missouri will once again uphold reproductive freedom,” stated Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains vote.
