JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A high-stakes hearing is taking place Wednesday afternoon in Jefferson City, where the focus is on the wording of a proposed abortion-rights amendment that Missouri voters will decide on this November.
The amendment would reinstate the constitutional right to abortion in Missouri, allowing the procedure up until the point of fetal viability, similar to the standards set under Roe v. Wade.
The controversy centers around the summary language written by Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, which some argue is biased and could sway voters against the measure.
Ashcroft’s version of the ballot summary emphasizes the amendment would eliminate the state’s ability to regulate abortion and potentially grant immunity to abortion providers in cases where women are harmed or killed during the procedure.
Supporters of the amendment argue that the focus should remain on protecting reproductive rights rather than using language that could influence voters by highlighting extreme consequences. They point out that Missouri’s current abortion laws are some of the strictest in the country, with no exceptions for rape or incest.
The Secretary of State’s office defends the wording, saying it is important to clearly outline the potential consequences of changing the state constitution.
Opponents of the amendment, including Republican lawmakers and anti-abortion activists, claim that the proposal could violate the state constitution by covering multiple subjects, potentially overturn existing abortion regulations, and even impact laws on stem cell research.
A judge is expected to decide whether the summary language will remain as it is or require changes before voters see it on the ballot this fall.
This is a developing story; Fox 2 will provide updates once more information comes into the newsroom.
