Summary

Missouri voters have passed a ballot amendment enshrining reproductive rights in the State Constitution, marking a stunning repudiation of one of the nation’s strictest bans on abortion.

The amendment guarantees a “fundamental right to reproductive freedom,” including decisions on abortion, and allows the state to restrict abortion only after fetal viability, except in cases affecting the mother’s health.

Missouri, the first state to enact a ban after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, is now also the first to reverse such a ban through a citizen-initiated measure.

Abortion rights advocates gathered record-breaking signatures, revealing broad support despite strong conservative opposition.