Missouri voters approve amendment to overturn near-total abortion ban

Missouri voters have approved an amendment to overturn the state's near-total abortion ban, making it the first state to do so since the Supreme Court's 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The amendment enshrines reproductive rights in the state constitution. Previously, Missouri had implemented a strict abortion ban with limited exceptions. The ban faced immediate backlash, as some hospitals hesitated to provide emergency care due to fears of legal repercussions. In contrast, the new amendment allows for state regulation of abortion after fetal viability while protecting reproductive rights. This change marks a significant shift in Missouri's approach to abortion access and reproductive health care.