Missouri Republicans have advanced a ballot question that would amend the state constitution to restrict abortion rights. The proposal, known as House Joint Resolution 204, would declare that the constitution does not protect the right to an abortion or require government funding for the procedure.
The House General Laws Committee voted 8-4 in favor of the measure, with all Democrats on the committee opposing it. Supporters argue that the amendment would give state lawmakers more control over abortion policies, while opponents warn that it could pave the way for a complete ban on the procedure.
This move comes amid a wave of conservative efforts to challenge abortion rights in states across the country. Proponents of the ballot question say it is a response to recent Supreme Court decisions that have expanded reproductive rights.
Missouri already has some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country, including a ban on the procedure after 20 weeks of pregnancy and extensive waiting periods and mandatory counseling requirements for those seeking abortions.
The ballot question must now pass the full House and Senate before it can be put to a public vote. If approved by voters, the amendment would significantly impact abortion access in Missouri and potentially open the door to further restrictions on the procedure.
Critics of the proposal fear that it would infringe on women’s reproductive rights and disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Proponents, however, believe it is a necessary step to ensure that decisions about abortion are made at the state level. The debate over the ballot question is likely to intensify as it moves through the legislative process.
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