On the ballot on Tuesday will be Amendment 3, which will roll back the most harmful provisions of the 2024 amendment that enshrined a nearly unlimited right to abortion in the state constitution.
If passed, Amendment 3 will restore protections for women and babies by allowing the state to require basic health and safety standards for clinics, safeguard parental rights, and substantially limit abortion in Missouri. It would also prohibit destructive gender-transition procedures, including surgeries, puberty blockers, and cross-sex hormones, in the state constitution, permanently protecting boys and girls.
In addition, Amendment 3 will ensure that women continue to have access to medical care for emergencies, ectopic pregnancies, and miscarriages. In an interview with The Catholic Missourian, Destiny Rehagen Schulte, mother and parishioner of the Cathedral of St. Joseph Parish in Jefferson City, pushes back on the claims that Amendment 3 would deny lifesaving healthcare to women.
Mrs. Schulte suffered a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy in 2024. Her medical team moved quickly, and she underwent emergency surgery to save her life. She recalls receiving compassionate care without hesitation, even as she and her husband faced the heartbreaking loss of their baby. Mrs. Schulte is speaking out about her experience amid the debate over Amendment 3, challenging claims that women were denied lifesaving care under Missouri’s previous abortion restrictions. You can read the full interview here.
The Missouri bishops issued a statement on October 5, stating, “We cannot be indifferent when our own state constitution fails to safeguard those who most need its protection. We urge you to pray and fast, to speak with your family and friends, and to continue working to pass Amendment 3.”
You can read the full bishops’ statement here and watch a video of the statement here. The bishops also prayed a Rosary for Life for the passage of Amendment 3 here.
As we approach Election Day on Tuesday, we encourage everyone to check out the MCC website for more resources and VOTE YES on Amendment 3!