Rival Constitutional Amendment Moves Forward
Republican-led campaign withdraws, clearing the path for a more sweeping constitutional amendment
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. —
A Republican-led campaign aimed at restoring abortion rights in Missouri has been suspended, allowing a competing, more comprehensive constitutional amendment to proceed towards the state’s November ballot. The Missouri Women and Family Research Fund Executive Director, Jamie Corley, announced the decision to withdraw their campaign in a statement, stating that their goal was to restore access to women’s healthcare. However, with no public support for their cause, they have chosen to step aside.
Missourians for Constitutional Freedom Takes the Lead
Planned Parenthood and other abortion-rights groups gain momentum
Corley’s withdrawal means that a rival campaign, supported by organizations such as Planned Parenthood and other abortion-rights groups, can now move forward unopposed. Missourians for Constitutional Freedom aims to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution while allowing lawmakers to regulate it after viability. Both campaigns sought to bring the issue directly to voters following the implementation of a strict abortion law by Missouri’s Republican-led Legislature in 2022, which effectively banned almost all abortions in the state, with exceptions only in cases of medical emergencies.
An Alternative Proposal
Corley’s moderate approach fails to gain traction
Corley had pitched her initiative petition as a moderate alternative, proposing that abortions be allowed for any reason up until 12 weeks into pregnancy. Abortions in cases of rape, incest, and fatal fetal abnormalities would be permitted until viability. However, her proposal did not resonate with the public or gain sufficient support. Corley believed that her approach had a better chance of passing in Missouri, where Republicans hold all elected statewide offices and anti-abortion groups wield significant influence in state politics.
Missourians for Constitutional Freedom Moves Forward
Signature gathering underway to secure a spot on November’s ballot
Missourians for Constitutional Freedom has not yet responded to a request for comment. However, earlier this week, the campaign began gathering signatures across the state. In order to qualify for November’s ballot, the campaign must collect a minimum of 172,000 voter signatures by May 5. The outcome of this effort will determine whether the constitutional amendment will be put to a vote, potentially shaping the future of abortion rights in Missouri.