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accessHealthNews.net
July 2025
Volume 11 | Issue No. 98
In fall 2024, Missouri voters made their
stance on reproductive freedom
unmistakably clear. With a majority vote,
they passed Amendment 3 protecting and
enshrining the right to access reproductive
care, specifically abortions, in the state of
Missouri.
However, this reproductive freedom did
not last long. Despite Missouri voters'
democratic victory, state lawmakers
shortly began methods to dismantle the
wishes of Missouri voters. The most pressing:
House Joint Resolution 73, or HJR 73.
Several Republican and conservative
lawmakers are working to reverse this
abortion right by passing this new bill. HJR
73 puts abortion restrictions back on the
2026 voting ballot, potentially overturning
Amendment 3 and reimposing prior
abortion bans. The ongoing political divide
between Missouri voters and lawmakers
could prove disastrous, as many individuals
seeking necessary health care may be
caught in the crossfire. While the future of
reproductive health care for Missourians is
uncertain, the lives, well-being, and dignity
of these residents should be prioritized.
Those facing health care inequities—such
as those most impacted by impending
Medicaid cuts—often have the least
say and autonomy in these government
proceedings. The current state of the
Missouri legislature reveals the systemic
failures and obstacles birthing people must
navigate to access reproductive health
care.
Victorious Voters – and The Following
Backlash
Amendment 3, also known as the Right
to Reproductive Freedom Initiative, was
approved by Missouri voters on Nov. 5,
2024.
READ MORE
"Missouri, the fight to MAINTAIN our bodily
autonomy is on."
- Ashley Aune
Missouri State Representative from Platte County
