On Wednesday, pro-abortion rights supporters gathered at the Missouri State Capitol for a rally, calling it the Reproductive Freedom Day of Action. The rally was organized by several groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Missouri, Planned Parenthood of Great Rivers Action, Planned Parenthood of Great Plains Action, Abortion Action, and PROMO. The rally’s main purpose was to celebrate the passing of Amendment 3, which legalized abortion access in Missouri. However, despite this victory, the rally highlighted that people in Missouri still face challenges when trying to get an abortion.
The Significance of Amendment 3
Amendment 3 was a significant win for abortion rights supporters. The amendment made abortion legal again in Missouri, allowing individuals to access the procedure under certain circumstances. It also ensures that women facing complications during pregnancy can safely visit emergency rooms without fear of criminal charges. According to Mallory Schwarz, the Executive Director of Abortion Action Missouri, the passing of Amendment 3 is a “huge victory” for the people of Missouri, particularly for those in emergency situations where pregnancy complications could put their health at risk.
“We are here to celebrate and enforce the victory of Amendment 3. It’s a victory that ensures women have access to the care they need,” said Schwarz.
The Ongoing Struggle Despite Legalization
Even though Amendment 3 legalized abortion in Missouri, access to the procedure remains limited. Currently, no abortion clinic in the state holds the required license from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to perform abortions. This has led to a situation where people who need an abortion are unable to get one in Missouri, forcing them to travel out of state for the procedure.
Emily Wales, the President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, told reporters that the organization does not currently plan to engage in the state licensing process for abortion clinics. This means that, for now, there will be no local clinics offering abortion services, leaving Missourians with fewer options.
This situation has led to frustration among many residents and activists, who argue that although the amendment was a significant step forward, the lack of local abortion services is still a major obstacle. Denise Morgan-Irish, an attendee at the rally, mentioned, “The people voted for this change, and we are here to fight for it, ensuring that the law works as it was intended.”
Legislative Pushback and Criticism
Despite the passage of Amendment 3, some lawmakers are pushing to limit its impact. State Representative Kent Haden, a Republican from Mexico, criticized the amendment’s language. He believes that the amendment was poorly written and that it included too many elements, making it difficult to enforce properly. Haden also suggested that even if someone is pro-abortion, the legislation itself is flawed.
“This amendment threw in everything, and the kitchen sink, with too many different provisions,” Haden said. “Even supporters of abortion rights may not fully agree with this law’s language.”
In response to the passage of Amendment 3, some Republican lawmakers are now overseeing efforts to reform the legislation. This could lead to further changes to the law, potentially limiting abortion access once again.
A Call to Action
Despite these challenges, the rally at the Missouri Capitol was a reminder of the ongoing fight for abortion rights. Activists at the rally emphasized their commitment to ensuring that the right to an abortion is protected and accessible to all Missourians. Groups like Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and Abortion Action Missouri are continuing to push for legislation that ensures women can get the care they need without facing additional barriers.
“We are not backing down. We will continue to fight for reproductive freedom in Missouri,” said one speaker at the rally.
As Missouri navigates the complex issues surrounding abortion access, both sides of the debate remain passionate and committed to their causes. While Amendment 3 was a victory for abortion rights supporters, the path to full access remains uncertain.
(Source : komu.com)
