Fact Check: Missouri Republicans propose amendment to overturn voters' reproductive rights decision.

Fact Check: Missouri Republicans Propose Amendment to Overturn Voters' Reproductive Rights Decision

What We Know

In May 2025, Missouri Republican lawmakers advanced a proposal to repeal a constitutional amendment that had been approved by voters just six months prior, which protected abortion rights. This new proposal, passed by the state Senate with a vote of 21-11, seeks to impose a near-total ban on abortions, allowing exceptions only in cases of rape, incest, medical emergencies, or fetal anomalies, and limiting these exceptions to the first 12 weeks of pregnancy (Newsweek, PBS).

The original amendment, passed in November 2024, secured the right to abortion until fetal viability, typically considered to be around 21 weeks of pregnancy, and allowed for later abortions when necessary to protect the life or health of the pregnant woman (Kansas City Star, Ballotpedia). This legislative move is seen as a significant shift in Missouri's abortion policy, particularly following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which had previously protected abortion rights nationwide (NBC News).

Analysis

The proposed amendment to repeal the abortion rights decision reflects a broader trend among Republican lawmakers in Missouri, who have historically attempted to alter voter-approved policies. This includes past efforts to block funding for Medicaid expansion and modify regulations concerning dog breeders (PBS, ABC News).

Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, have expressed outrage, accusing Republicans of undermining the will of the voters. Democratic Rep. Ashley Aune highlighted the potential backlash against these legislative actions, stating that they could "blow up 5 months of goodwill & bipartisan work" (Newsweek). On the other hand, Republican Rep. Brian Seitz defended the proposal, suggesting that it offers voters a chance to reconsider their stance on abortion, claiming that the new exceptions for rape and incest align better with the values of Missouri residents (PBS).

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is generally high, as they include reputable news organizations such as Newsweek, PBS, and the Associated Press, which have established editorial standards and fact-checking processes. However, the framing of the issue can vary, with some sources emphasizing the political maneuvering of Republicans and others focusing on the implications for women's rights and public health.

Conclusion

The claim that Missouri Republicans are proposing an amendment to overturn voters' reproductive rights decision is True. The legislative actions taken by Republican lawmakers to advance a new referendum to repeal the recently approved abortion rights amendment clearly indicate a reversal of the voters' decision made just months earlier. This move not only seeks to restrict abortion access significantly but also reflects ongoing political tensions regarding reproductive rights in the state.

Fact Check: Missouri Republicans propose amendment to overturn voters' reproductive rights decision.