A Missouri judge ruled that an abortion-rights campaign did not meet legal requirements to qualify for the November ballot, potentially thwarting efforts to undo the state’s near-total abortion ban. However, the measure was not removed from the ballot, giving the campaign a chance to appeal before the deadline. The campaign aims to protect reproductive freedom, including access to abortion, birth control, and miscarriage care. The judge cited issues with informing voters about the measure during the signature-gathering process.
Other states will consider constitutional amendments enshrining abortion rights this fall, with most guaranteeing abortion until fetal viability and later for the pregnant woman’s health. Voters in states with abortion questions on the ballot since 2022 have favored abortion-rights supporters. Abortion opponents in Missouri sued to have the amendment removed, arguing that voters were not fully informed about potential law repeals.
After Missouri banned most abortions in response to Roe v. Wade being overturned, the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, and Abortion Action in Missouri launched a campaign to legalize abortion in the state. The proposed amendment would guarantee the right to get an abortion and make reproductive health decisions. The campaign plans to appeal the judge’s ruling and hopes for a swift resolution to allow Missourians to vote on the issue in November.
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