In Missouri, there is a debate regarding the potential addition of abortion rights to the state’s constitution. Following the ban on almost all abortions in response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, a campaign seeks to reintroduce abortion access through a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to abortion. Legal challenges have been filed by both supporters and opponents of the proposal in an attempt to shape its fate before it goes to voters.
The deadline for courts to make adjustments to the November ballot is approaching, with the Secretary of State’s office indicating that changes can be made until Sept. 10. Recently, two Republican state lawmakers and an anti-abortion figure filed a lawsuit aiming to have the proposed amendment invalidated. The plaintiffs argue that the ballot language fails to adequately inform voters about the potential impacts of the amendment, suggesting it could eliminate crucial protections for women, children, the unborn, parents, and taxpayers opposed to funding abortion.
A lawsuit has also been filed by the abortion-rights campaign against the Secretary of State over the language used to describe the measure on the ballot. The campaign contests that the language provided by the Secretary of State’s office is biased and misleading, implying that it prevents any regulation of abortion and obstructs legal action against those involved in procedures that harm pregnant individuals. The lawsuit seeks to revise the language to accurately reflect the proposed amendment’s scope.
Legal proceedings for both lawsuits are pending, with hearings yet to be scheduled. The clash over the Missouri abortion rights amendment is emblematic of a broader national trend, where similar measures are being put forward in various states to allow voters to weigh in on the issue post the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Legal disputes have emerged in multiple states over the wording of ballot measures and the right for voters to decide on abortion-related issues. Despite these legal battles, data shows that in states where abortion questions have been presented to voters since 2022, the majority have favored abortion-rights proponents.
