Missourians will vote on a constitutional amendment to protect abortion rights, following a ruling by the state's highest court on Tuesday. The Missouri Supreme Court ordered the abortion rights measure, known as Amendment 3, to be placed on the November 5, 2024, general election ballot.

Missouri ballot will include abortion rights : Court's Decision

The ruling overturned a lower court decision that initially blocked the measure from the ballot, citing conflicts with state law. Missouri's Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary R. Russell directed Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft to certify the amendment and ensure it appears on the ballot. The court did not immediately release a full opinion.

This ruling follows recent legal disputes over the language used to describe the amendment. Last week, a county judge found Ashcroft’s description of the amendment misleading, although it only affected public materials and not the ballot itself.

Abortion Rights on the Ballot

The Right to Reproductive Freedom Initiative, or Amendment 3, aims to enshrine the right to abortion access in Missouri's constitution. A "yes" vote would allow individuals to make decisions about all matters related to reproductive health care, including prenatal care, childbirth, birth control, and abortion.

Missouri currently has one of the strictest abortion bans in the country, allowing the procedure only to save a woman's life or prevent serious injury. Abortion rights groups, including Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, gathered over 380,000 signatures to secure the amendment's spot on the ballot.

Missouri ballot will include abortion rights : Reactions to the Ruling

Abortion advocates hailed the court’s decision as a victory for reproductive freedom and direct democracy. "The court's ruling ensures that Amendment 3 will appear on the November 5th ballot, giving voters — not politicians — the power to decide on this critical issue," said Missourians for Constitutional Freedom.

However, opponents, including the Thomas More Society, argued the ruling could have far-reaching consequences by repealing numerous state laws protecting the unborn and pregnant women.

What’s Next?

Missouri joins a growing list of states considering abortion-related ballot measures this fall. As the November election approaches, both sides will continue to campaign vigorously, with voters ultimately deciding the future of abortion access in the state.