Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt recently argued that Amendment 3, which is set to appear on the state’s November ballot, will not impact existing restrictions that limit abortions. Schmitt’s office filed a brief with the state Supreme Court asserting that the proposed amendment focuses on Medicaid eligibility and not on abortion regulations. This comes as opponents of Amendment 3 have raised concerns that it could lead to stricter abortion laws in the state.
Amendment 3, if approved by voters, would change how Missouri’s Medicaid program operates by implementing work requirements and prohibiting the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. However, Schmitt contends that the amendment will not affect current abortion restrictions, which were established in a 1986 law. The attorney general’s office also argued that lawmakers would have to pass separate legislation to change the state’s abortion laws.
Critics of Amendment 3 remain skeptical, with Planned Parenthood Advocates in Missouri calling the attorney general’s claims a “baseless attempt to confuse voters.” They argue that if the amendment passes, it could potentially open the door for more restrictive abortion measures in the future. The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on the amendment’s language next month.
Overall, the debate surrounding Amendment 3 continues to intensify as the November election approaches. Supporters believe it will help control Medicaid costs, while opponents fear it could have far-reaching implications on reproductive rights in the state.
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