Missouri Lawmakers Move to Repeal Abortion Rights Amendment
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — In a controversial shift just six months after Missouri voters approved a constitutional amendment guaranteeing abortion rights, Republican lawmakers have passed a new referendum aimed at repealing that amendment. The proposed measure, which seeks to restrict most abortions except in cases of rape and incest, will potentially go to the ballot in November 2026, or sooner if Governor Mike Kehoe calls for a special election.
The state Senate approved the proposal with a vote of 21-11 after employing procedural maneuvers to limit Democratic opposition. Protesters in the Senate chamber voiced their dissent, chanting, “Stop the ban!” as they were escorted out by security.
This legislative action coincided with the passage of another repeal effectively eliminating provisions for paid sick leave and minimum wage increases, which now only require the governor’s signature to become law.
Democratic lawmakers expressed outrage, accusing their Republican counterparts of undermining the will of voters. “Our rights are under attack,” remarked Democratic Senator Brian Williams, emphasizing that this move seeks to overturn recent voter-approved measures related to reproductive rights.
Republicans, however, maintain that they are simply providing voters with another opportunity to express their views on abortion, confident that the inclusion of exceptions for rape and incest will sway public opinion. “Abortion is the greatest tragedy in the world right now,” stated Republican Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman.
Polling indicates that while many voters oppose most abortions, they support limited exceptions. Critics of the proposed measure argue that the ballot language is misleading, framing it as safeguarding various provisions, including parental consent for minors and protecting children from gender transition treatments.
Planned Parenthood and several advocacy groups plan to rally against the measure, asserting that the fight for reproductive rights in Missouri is far from over. "Missourians will protect reproductive freedom again," pledged Planned Parenthood’s Emily Wales.
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