Missouri Codifies Abortion Care Into State Constitution In Historic Vote

The projected outcome is a huge win for abortion rights protection in the Midwest.

Missourians will pass a historic amendment on Tuesday night that will codify the right to abortion access until fetal viability in the state constitution, according to projections.

Amendment 3 will repeal the state’s near-total abortion ban and restore access until around 24 weeks of pregnancy ― a monumental win for abortion rights advocates in the deep-red state. The passage of Amendment 3 marks the first time that voters have overturned an abortion ban with no exceptions for rape or incest in the current post-Roe v. Wade landscape.

The measure will protect the right to make decisions about other reproductive health issues as well, including birth control, prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, miscarriage care and “respectful birthing conditions.” It will also protect Missourians from being prosecuted for their pregnancy outcomes, such as miscarriage, stillbirth and abortion.

“Today, Missourians made history and sent a clear message: decisions around pregnancy, including abortion, birth control, and miscarriage care are personal and private and should be left up to patients and their families, not politicians,” Rachel Sweet, the campaign manager for Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, wrote in a press release.

“By passing Amendment 3, Missourians have put the power to make personal health care decisions back where it belongs — in the hands of Missourians, their families, and their health care providers,” Sweet continued. “I am incredibly proud of the tireless work from our coalition and grassroots supporters who made this day possible. This win is proof that Missourians are ready for a future where everyone has access to the health care they need.”