Missourians legalized abortion in November 2024 with more than 51% of votes.
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Infant mortality is rising faster than expected in states with strict abortion limits or bans.
Six months after Missouri voters passed abortion right protections, Republican lawmakers are looking to overturn the legislation, and after invoking a rare rule, they are one step closer.
In November 2024, Missouri voters passed Amendment 3, which removed the state’s abortion ban after Roe v. Wade was overturned in June 2022. Despite the legislation’s passing, Republican lawmakers are looking to repeal the amendment by making abortion illegal, except in cases of medical emergencies, rape and incest.
On May 14, Missouri Senate Republicans invoked a rare procedural rule which allowed them to force a vote on their resolution, which passed, Missouri Independent reported. The resolution now goes before Missouri voters, who could see it on the November 2026 ballot or sooner, if Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe decides to hold a special election for the issue. Kehoe’s office did not immediately respond when contacted by USA TODAY on May 15.
“The majority of Missourians want to make their own decisions about health care without interference from prying politicians…” said Margot Riphagen, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Rivers Action, in a news release. “We will not stand for more political games at the expense of the thousands of patients in Missouri who could finally access care they need without crossing state lines. Missouri voters will once again send a clear message that enough is enough.”
Here’s what to know about abortion laws in Missouri and what Republican lawmakers are looking to overturn.
Is abortion legal in Missouri?
Yes, abortion is legal in Missouri. Voters supported Amendment 3, the right to abortion, with more than 51% of votes in November 2024.
As of May 15, surgical abortion is available at only three Planned Parenthood clinics in Missouri − for patients up to 12 weeks gestation. However, medication abortion, the most common means of ending a pregnancy, remains inaccessible in Missouri, as the state’s health department rejected plans submitted by clinics that outlined patient care in the case that adverse effects are experienced.
What are Missouri Republicans looking to overturn?
If passed, Missouri House Joint Resolution HJR 73 would repeal Missouri’s Amendment 3.
Under this resolution, abortion would only be permitted in cases of medical emergency (such as ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage) rape or incest in Missouri. The procedure would only be completed if the patient presented documentation that rape or incest was reported to law enforcement. Abortion would only be available within 12 weeks of gestation. In pregnancy, a woman’s first missed period marks four weeks of gestation.
USA TODAY has reached out to multiple sponsors of the bill for comment.
Reversal bill targets gender affirming care, too
Abortion isn’t the only issue Missouri House Joint Resolution HJR 73 addresses. It also prohibits gender affirming care to minors, including hormone therapy, puberty blockers and gender transition surgeries.
Missouri Sen. Nick Schroer said gender affirming health care conditions were a deal breaker for Republicans to approve the resolution.
“We talked to a lot of our members,” Schroer said, as reported by Missouri Independent, “and they said that issue needs to be included.”
Katy Erker-Lynch, executive director of LGBTQIA+ organization PROMO Missouri, encouraged members of the queer community to keep their heads high following the resolution’s passing.
“This is a dark day for our community. A day when our voices were silenced in an attempt to erase our rights and freedoms,” Erker-Lynch said in a news release. “However, LGBTQ+ people throughout our history have faced these days together. Just like we are right now. We build power through the lessons from our ancestors and ‘transcestors’ who light hope for our future.”
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].