Missouri Republicans facing abortion-rights amendment that received overwhelming support
By
Jack Birle
May 3, 2024 3:58 pm
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Abortion appears on track to be on the ballot in another Republican state after activists say they have gathered an overwhelming number of signatures.
Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, an abortion-rights group in Missouri, says it has garnered more than 380,000 signatures for a ballot measure to enshrine abortion into the state’s constitution. The group said on Friday it submitted the signatures for verification to the state secretary of state ahead of the May 5 deadline.
The proposed initiative needs roughly 172,000 verified signatures to appear on the ballot this year. If the required signatures are verified, the measure would either be put before voters during the August primary or the November general election.
The ballot measure would enshrine access to abortion through viability — roughly 24 weeks — with exceptions for the physical and mental health of the mother. Anti-abortion activists contend the vague exceptions could clear the way for unrestricted abortion.
Currently in Missouri, abortion is banned with exceptions for a medical emergency or the life of the mother. The state law went into effect after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in the 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
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https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/state/2990436/missouri-republicans-facing-abortion-rights-amendment-received-overwhelming-support/
