Missouri Amendment 3 returns to the ballot

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - A Missouri judge has approved ballot language for a proposed constitutional amendment that would undo an abortion rights measure approved by voters last November.

Last year's constitutional amendment, voted on as Amendment 3, would be repealed under the new proposed amendment. The new ballot question would also be Amendment 3.

In the 2024 general election, Amendment 3 was approved 51.6% to 48.4%, or a difference of 95,637 votes.

The new proposed Amendment 3 will ask voters in November 2026:

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

• Guarantee women’s medical care for emergencies, ectopic pregnancies, and miscarriages;
• Ensure women’s safety during abortions;
• Ensure parental consent for minors;
• Repeal Article I, section 36, approved in 2024; allow abortions for medical emergencies, fetal anomalies, rape, and incest;
• and Prohibit sex-change procedures for children?”

The Missouri Legislature passed the amendment earlier this year, setting up a statewide vote on the matter next year.

In a statement following the ruling from the Cole County judge, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway said it was a victory for the state.

“From the beginning, this Office stood firm in defense of the Constitution and the will of the people’s elected representatives," Hanaway said. “Today’s ruling is not only a legal win; it is a victory for Missouri families and for transparency.”