Missouri Ballot to Include Abortion Amendment

Missouri voters will decide in November on a proposed constitutional amendment that aims to legalize abortion until fetal viability, potentially reversing the state's near-total abortion ban established after the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 ruling. The amendment would allow abortion up to approximately 24 weeks and includes provisions for later abortions to protect the health of the pregnant individual. Alongside this, voters will also consider measures to increase the minimum wage and legalize sports betting. The state's Secretary of State certified that the abortion initiative received sufficient signatures, joining several other states where similar measures will be on the ballot. Abortion rights advocates have seen success in other states since the Supreme Court decision, notably in California, Kansas, and Michigan. The upcoming vote reflects a significant push by citizens to reshape state law regarding reproductive rights.