Missouri voters approved Amendment 3, guaranteeing a fundamental right to reproductive freedom in the state’s constitution, including decisions regarding abortion and contraceptives. The amendment passed with 53% of the vote, and it is set to take effect in 30 days. The language of the amendment protecting reproductive rights was a result of a campaign by Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, collecting over 380,000 signatures to get it on the ballot.
Supporters like healthcare worker Madeline Kennell emphasized the importance of access to reproductive health care, while opponents like Republican Gov. Mike Parson warned against the limitations the amendment might place on legislation in the future.
Missouri is one of 10 states that had abortion-related measures on the ballot this election. The passage of Amendment 3 reflects a slight shift in public opinion towards supporting reproductive rights, following a survey that showed 52% of likely voters supporting the amendment in August, compared to 34% opposed.
While the amendment’s opponents argued against its impact on other issues like sex changes for minors, legal experts and courts have maintained that it focuses solely on reproductive care. The legal battle over the costs of the amendment, which was inflated by the Missouri Attorney General, ended with the state Supreme Court affirming the certification of the measure for the ballot.
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