Key Takeaways
- Missouri senators voted to move forward with a controversial abortion ban amendment that now heads to voters for approval.
- Republicans used a rarely invoked rule to cut off debate and push the bill through, causing tension among lawmakers.
- A measure to repeal the state’s paid sick leave law, approved by voters in November, also passed.
- Abortion-rights activists protested in the Senate gallery, leading to a temporary evacuation of the area.
- The abortion ban includes exceptions for medical emergencies, fetal anomalies, and survivors of rape and incest but has been criticized for misleading ballot language.
- Opponents argue the ban would reinstate unconstitutional abortion regulations struck down by a judge.
Abortion Ban on the Ballot
In a tense and dramatic session, Missouri senators moved forward with an abortion ban amendment. The measure now goes to voters, who will decide whether it becomes law.
The proposed ban seeks to remove the state’s constitutional right to abortion but includes exceptions for medical emergencies, fatal fetal anomalies, and survivors of rape and incest within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
However, critics argue the amendment’s language is confusing. The ballot description does not explicitly mention that it would ban abortions, leading Democrats to accuse Republicans of trying to deceive voters.
The amendment also includes a severability clause, which could allow the rape and incest exceptions to be challenged in court as discriminatory under the 14th Amendment.
What’s Next?
If voters approve the amendment, it would bring back several strict regulations on abortion providers, known as TRAP laws, which a Missouri judge recently ruled unconstitutional.
Abortion-rights advocates have already sued the state over these regulations, arguing they unfairly target abortion clinics and limit access to care.
Paid Sick Leave Law Repealed
In another controversial move, the Senate voted to repeal the paid sick leave law approved by 58% of voters in November. The law, which went into effect in May, guaranteed paid sick leave for over 700,000 Missouri workers who previously lacked this benefit.
Republicans pushed the repeal, arguing that the law would harm small businesses and destroy jobs. However, Democrats and advocates for the law criticized the move, saying it goes against the will of voters and will hurt workers who need time off for illness or family care.
The repeal also removes a requirement that the minimum wage be adjusted for inflation, a policy that has been in place since 2007.
What Do Advocates Say?
Advocates for paid sick leave say they will not give up the fight. They are considering putting the issue back on the ballot as a constitutional amendment, which would make it harder for lawmakers to overturn in the future.
Protests Disrupt Senate Proceedings
The tension in the Senate was not just among lawmakers. As the abortion ban advanced, abortion-rights activists in the Senate gallery began shouting protests. The gallery was temporarily cleared, including reporters, while security restored order.
Despite the disruption, the Senate continued its work and adjourned for the year a few hours later.
Republican Divisions Exposed
The debate over the abortion ban revealed deep divisions within the Republican Party. Some conservative senators refused to support the bill because it included exceptions for rape and incest, which they opposed.
One Republican, Sen. Mike Cierpiot, accused a prominent anti-abortion group, Missouri Right to Life, of prioritizing political power over compromise. He criticized the group for creating unnecessary conflicts within the party.
Other Republicans, like Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, expressed frustration with the group’s tactics. “They didn’t endorse me, but I don’t really care,” Coleman said. “What I care about is that they didn’t endorse Gov. Kehoe.”
These fractures within the GOP highlight the challenges Republicans face in balancing their base’s demands with broader public opinion.
Voters Weigh In
While the abortion ban is now in the hands of voters, the issue remains highly polarizing. A 2022 poll found that most Missourians support abortion exceptions for survivors of rape and incest, even as the state moved quickly to ban abortion after Roe v. Wade was overturned.
Planned Parenthood and other abortion-rights groups have already taken legal action to challenge Missouri’s abortion laws, arguing they are unfair and unconstitutional.
Meanwhile, the paid sick leave repeal has sparked outrage among voters who supported the measure. Advocates warn that repealing such a popular law could backfire on lawmakers in future elections.
What’s Next for Missouri?
The abortion ban and paid sick leave repeal are just the latest in a series of high-stakes battles in Missouri’s legislature. As the state heads into an election year, these issues are likely to remain hot topics for voters and candidates alike.
Whether the abortion ban passes or fails, the debate over reproductive rights and workers’ rights will continue to shape Missouri’s political landscape for years to come.
This story highlights the ongoing struggles in Missouri’s legislature, where lawmakers are increasingly at odds over issues that deeply affect the lives of their constituents. Stay tuned for more updates as these developments unfold.