Amendment 3 | Missouri Catholic Conference

2026 Amendment 3

What is Amendment 3?

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins has certified HJR 73 for the November 3, 2026, general election. Ironically, the measure will appear as “Amendment 3”, even though it aims to roll back some of the worst provisions of the pro-abortion constitutional amendment that was narrowly approved in the 2024 general election.

Here is what you need to know as you are talking about Amendment 3 with your friends and family:

● In Nov. 2024, Missouri narrowly passed a sweeping right to abortion in the State Constitution
● With that State Constitutional Amendment, Missouri’s legislature lost the ability to set meaningful safeguards for the abortion industry, including:
▷ Requirement that only doctors perform abortions
▷ Requirement that parents be notified and give consent before their minor has an abortion
▷ Requirement that abortion clinics be licensed and inspected

● Because the amendment provided a broad and nearly absolute right to “reproductive health care,” it likely opens the door to constitutional protection for surgical or medical gender transition on minors
● In Nov. 2026, Missourians will be asked to restore these protections in Amendment 3, which will:
▷ Severely limit the number of abortions in the state
▷ Require abortion clinics to meet high standards for safety and cleanliness
▷ Ensure parental or judicial consent for minors
▷ Prohibit gender transition procedures for minors
▷ Severely limit public funding for abortion services

What voters will see on the ballot:

Official Ballot Title:

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

Repeal the 2024 voter-approved Amendment providing reproductive healthcare rights, including abortion through fetal viability;
Allow abortions for rape and incest (under twelve-weeks’ gestation), emergencies, and fetal anomalies;
Allow legislation regulating abortion;
Ensure parental consent for minors’ abortions;
Prohibit gender transition procedures for minors?

State governmental entities estimate no costs or savings. Greene County estimates it may experience an unknown increase in tax revenue. Other local governmental entities estimate no costs or savings.

Fair Ballot Language: (will be displayed at the polling place but not appear on the ballot)

A “yes” vote will repeal Article I, Section 36, of the Missouri Constitution approved by the voters in 2024 which provided reproductive healthcare rights, including abortion through fetal viability; continue to ensure women’s ability to access medical care for medical emergencies, ectopic pregnancies, and miscarriages; allow legislation to regulate abortion providers and facilities to ensure health and safety; require informed and voluntary consent for an abortion, including parental or judicial consent for minors; allow restriction of abortions to cases of medical emergency, rape and incest under twelve weeks gestation, and fetal anomalies; prohibit public funding of abortions except in limited circumstances; and prohibit gender transition procedures for minors including gender transition surgeries, cross-sex hormones or puberty-blocking drugs, with exceptions for specific medical conditions.

A “no” vote will leave Article I, Section 36, of the Missouri Constitution approved by voters in 2024 in place; will not limit abortion to cases of medical emergency, rape and incest under twelve weeks gestation, and fetal anomalies, but leave access to abortion available through fetal viability; will not prohibit gender transition procedures for minors.

If passed, this measure will not increase or decrease taxes.

To view the official documents issued by the Secretary of State with the Official Ballot Language, click here.

Missouri Bishops Statements

Missouri Bishops’ Statement on Amendment 3

Prayer for the Success of Amendment 3

Click here to download prayer card

Ever-living God, you give life and desire a
future for all your children. Take hold of our
nation, state, and community and awaken
in every heart awe for the gift of life. Send
your Spirit to strengthen us with wisdom
and fortitude as we defend mothers
and children in Missouri from laws that
disregard their health and safety.

Mary and Joseph trusted in you and
welcomed Jesus into our broken world.
God Almighty, we ask their intercession to
protect the preborn and their mothers, and
to guide all parents in raising their children.
May they help us build a civilization of love
by upholding the sacredness of life and
accompanying pregnant women in need.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Our Lady, Mother of the Family, pray for us!

St. Joseph, protector of the unborn, pray for us!

Novena for the Dignity of Human Life to be prayed on the 25th of every month: Diocese of Kansas City-St.Joseph

Prayer for the Success of Amendment 3

Click here to download prayer card

Dios eterno, Tú das la vida y deseas un futuro para todos tus hijos. Toma las riendas de nuestra nación, de nuestro estado y de nuestra comunidad, y despierta en cada corazón la admiración por el don de la vida. Envía tu Espíritu para infundir en nosotros sabiduría y fortaleza mientras defendemos a las madres y a los niños de Missouri de las leyes que menosprecian su salud y su seguridad.

María y José confiaron en Ti y recibieron a Jesús en nuestro mundo caído. Dios Todopoderoso, te pedimos que ellos intercedan para proteger a los niños no nacidos y a sus madres, así como para guiar a todos los padres en la crianza de sus hijos. Que nos ayuden a construir la civilización del amor, al defender el carácter sagrado de la vida y acompañar a las mujeres embarazadas que lo necesiten.

Te lo pedimos por Cristo Nuestro Señor. Amén.

Nuestra Señora, madre de la familia,
¡ruega por nosotros!

San José, protector de los no nacidos,
¡ruega por nosotros!

Novena for the Dignity of Human Life to be prayed on the 25th of every month: Diocese of Kansas City-St.Joseph

Request a Speaker

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Jamie Morris, Executive Director and General Counsel
Most requested topics include Pro-Life Issues, Faithful Citizenship, Religious Liberty, Family, Education, and Legislation.

Request a Speaker

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Curtis Wichmer, Legislative Council
Most requested topics include Criminal Justice, the Death Penalty, Social Programs, Pornography Regulations, and Catholic Social Teaching.

Request a Speaker

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Guillermo Viaa Trueba, PhD, Hispanic Outreach Manager
Most respected topics include Immigration, Refugees, Catholic Social Teaching, and Religious Liberty. Talks can be given in Spanish or English.