Abortion rights amendment sparks legal challenge in Missouri
Abortion rights advocates won seven ballot measures in the U.S. elections, marking a significant shift since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. However, they faced losses in three states, the first defeats for reproductive rights measures since the ruling.
In Missouri, a new amendment allows for challenges to the state's strict abortion ban, which permits abortions only in limited circumstances. Planned Parenthood has filed a lawsuit to invalidate the ban and other restrictive laws, citing burdensome regulations that hinder access to care.
While some states expanded abortion rights, others rejected measures aimed at protecting them. The outcomes reflect a complex landscape, with abortion rights influencing voter turnout but not always translating into broader electoral success for Democratic candidates.