Missouri Supreme Court Allows Abortion Rights Measure on State Ballot, Reports Reuters

By Gabriella Borter

Missouri’s highest court announced on Tuesday that a proposed amendment to the state constitution regarding abortion rights will be included on the November ballot. This decision gives voters an opportunity to restore legal abortion access in Missouri for the first time in over two years.

The amendment seeks to establish the right to abortion in Missouri until fetal viability, and it gained traction after organizers submitted over 250,000 signatures for verification, which was completed last month by the secretary of state’s office.

"Today’s decision by the Missouri Supreme Court is a victory for both direct democracy and reproductive freedom in Missouri," stated Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the organization backing the measure.

The court’s ruling followed a legal challenge from anti-abortion lawmakers, where a circuit court judge previously determined that the amendment did not adequately convey the implications of its passage. However, after an appeal by Missourians for Constitutional Freedom over the weekend, the state Supreme Court reversed the lower court’s decision.

Mary Catherine Martin, an attorney representing the opposing group, expressed disappointment in the ruling, arguing that the court disregarded protective laws for voters in favor of pro-abortion activists who allegedly left out essential information from their petition.

The decision was rendered just hours before the deadline for printing ballots. During the proceedings, the court heard arguments from both supporters and challengers of the measure.

Chief Justice Mary Russell stated that Missouri’s secretary of state must ensure that the amendment is placed on the ballot for the general election on November 5, 2024.

Currently, Missouri enforces a total ban on abortion except in medical emergencies. Polling data from a St. Louis University/YouGov survey conducted between August 9 and 16 indicated that 52% of Missouri voters support the amendment, which requires more than 50% approval to pass.

Abortion will be a key issue on ballots in nine states this November, including Missouri, contributing significantly to the presidential race and the broader battle for congressional control.