On the ballot on Tuesday will be the pro-abortion Amendment 3, which seeks to enshrine a right to abortion throughout all nine months of pregnancy in the Missouri Constitution. However, the amendment goes further than just allowing abortion at any time for any reason. It also eliminates parental rights, allowing minors to have an abortion without their parents’ consent or even notification. The amendment will also shield negligent health care providers from prosecution, or lawsuits if they harm the individual seeking reproductive care. As a constitutional amendment, it will supersede all existing legislation, thereby removing existing safety regulations to protect women from unsafe abortions. Detailed information regarding the vague and misleading language of the ballot can be found here.
The Missouri Bishops issued a statement urging Catholics and all persons of good will to oppose Amendment 3, calling the amendment “a tragic step backward in our work to protect all human life at all stages.”
The Bishops reiterated their concern that Amendment 3 would effectively eliminate safety regulations for women seeking abortions, including the requirement that a medical doctor be required to perform abortions and that the parents of a minor child be notified before she can have an abortion. In addition, the Bishops pointed out that the proposed amendment would allow unregulated abortions until viability (approximately six months) and would allow abortions after viability due to its mental health exception loophole. Finally, they stated that the amendment’s broad language would prohibit women and families from suing negligent abortion providers in the event the mother is harmed during the procedure.
The full statement of the Missouri Bishops can be found here.
In addition, Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski published a video explaining why he opposes Amendment 3. His video can be viewed here.
As we approach Election Day on Tuesday, we encourage everyone to check out the MCC website for more resources and VOTE NO on Amendment 3!