Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft thought he had dodged a bullet in an amendment that was scheduled to be on the ballot this election.
After an appeals court ruled that the ballot amendment should be removed, he started the process of decertification, but the State Supreme Court had a little something to say about it.
So, an abortion amendment will be posted, and now pro-lifers are panicking.
It Can’t Be
Ashcroft is worried about the amendment because he does not believe voters will read it in full before pulling the handle.
He stated, “I am disappointed in today’s court ruling and curious to read the opinion to see how they came to that conclusion.
“I would encourage every Missourian, before they vote, to read the actual text of this amendment.”
The amendment would give women “the right to make and carry out decisions about all matters relating to reproductive health care.”
On the surface, it sounds harmless, which is why Ashcroft is so worried about it passing.
The measure would extend the window for abortions through fetal viability, and it would also provide more protections for doctors who are performing abortions.
Chief Justice Mary Russell stated, “Respondent John R. Ashcroft shall certify to local election authorities that Amendment 3 be placed on the November 5, 2024, general election ballot and shall take all steps necessary to ensure that it is on said ballot.”
If you recall, Kentucky went through the same process in 2022, with voters rejecting the anti-abortion measure.
Abortion groups flooded the state with advertising while pro-life groups sat on their hands.
The other reality of the situation is that the overwhelming majority of Americans believe abortion should be available for a limited time of the pregnancy as well as certain exceptions for the mother for rape, incest, and health issues.
As I have stated before, the GOP needs to figure out a compromise on this soon, or it will continue to cost the party elections.