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May 16, 2025 |
By: Associated Press
New referendum that seeks the abortion-rights amendment's repeal
Six months after Missouri voters approved an abortion-rights amendment, Republican state lawmakers this week approved a new referendum that would seek the amendment’s repeal and instead ban most abortions with exceptions for rape and incest.
The newly proposed constitutional amendment would go back to voters in November 2026, or sooner, if Republican Governor Mike Kehoe calls a special election before then.
Republican senators used a series of rare procedural moves to cut off discussion by opposing Democrats before passing the proposed abortion-rights revision by a 21-11 vote. The measure passed the Republican-led House last month.
Immediately after the vote, protestors erupted with chants of “Stop the ban!” and were ushered out of the Senate chamber.
The Senate then blocked further Democratic debate and gave final approval to a separate measure repealing provisions of a voter-approved law guaranteeing paid sick leave for workers and cost-of-living increases to the minimum wage. That measure does not go back to the ballot. It will instead become law when signed by Kehoe, who has expressed his support for it.
After taking the sweeping votes, the Senate effectively ended its annual legislative session — two days ahead of a constitutional deadline to wrap up work.
