Missouri to vote on reproductive freedom initiative in November

HANNIBAL, Mo. (KHQA) — In November, the Right to Reproductive Freedom initiative will be on Missouri voters’ ballots.

More than 380,000 residents from 114 different counties have signed to endorse the declaration.

The initiative will be listed on the ballot as a Third Amendment, and the Missourians for Constitutional Freedom movement is leading the campaign.

“I am honored to say that it is now our turn to do something no other state has done before: end the total ban on abortion at the ballot box,” said campaign manager Rachel Sweet.

The amendment is defined as follows: “The right to make and carry out decisions regarding all matters related to reproductive health care, including but not limited to prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, abortion care, miscarriage care, and respectful birth conditions.”

One of the supporters of the change is the ACLU of Missouri. Tori Schafer, director of policy and campaigns, said it was critical to restore “basic rights.”

“It's about freedom. It's about who is responsible for your personal medical decisions. It's about reclaiming the right to make the best decisions for you, your family and your future,” Schafer said.

On the other hand, Missouri Stands with Women believes that no changes should be made.

A statement said, in part: “We urge the citizens of Missouri not to sign this radical petition. It would amend our Constitution to allow abortion on demand and endanger the safety of girls and women while trampling on the rights of parents.”

Currently, seven other states besides Missouri are voting on abortion measures.

Missourians will have their say on November 5th.