Missouri ballot measures adding abortion protections to state constitution filed
JEFFERSON CITY — A group of proposed ballot measures that seek to enshrine the right to abortion within the state constitution of Missouri, where it is currently banned, were filed with the Secretary of State's office Wednesday.
Eleven initiative petitions filed by a St. Louis-based committee would amend the Missouri constitution to declare that the "government shall not deny or infringe upon a person's fundamental right to reproductive care," which includes abortion services.
The filing of the petitions, by a St. Louis area physician on behalf of the newly established Missourians for Constitutional Freedom committee, represents the first step toward a referendum on abortion rights in the Show-Me State after Republican elected officials banned the procedure following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year.
Early variations on language among the 11 versions indicate a range of options that abortion rights advocates could choose to advance, pertaining to when the government can begin regulating abortions and limits on penalties or prosecution relating to abortions.
Some of the versions contain language allowing the legislature to pass laws regulating abortion after 24 weeks of gestation or requiring parental consent for minors seeking abortion. Some outline the definition of fetal viability, and some contain language explicitly stating that the section does not require government funding of abortion procedures.
https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/politics/2023/03/09/missouri-ballot-measures-adding-abortion-rights-to-constitution-filed/69990222007/
