Missouri residents passed Amendment 3 on Election Day, however the new legislation does not grant immediate access to abortion care.
For those seeking less restrictive access to abortion care this is a step in the right direction, said Dr. Beth Vonnahme, associate dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and political science professor.
“There are more steps needed to ensure legal abortion is available statewide from legal challenges to logistical challenges,” said Vonnahme.
To be able to fully receive access to abortion care there needs to be an overturn of the state’s current Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers also known as TRAP laws. These laws were triggered into action in 2022 when Roe v. Wade was initially overturned under the Trump Administration.
Vonnahme explained that the current TRAP laws must be adjudicated by the courts before any changes are made. The current laws restricting Missouri residents’ access to abortion care will remain in place, the passage of Amendment 3 does not overturn them.
“I know that many people see a beacon of hope shining through Missouri right now,” said Grace Bowles on the passage of Amendment 3. “I feel like this pass has made Missouri a slightly safer place to live.”
Bowles, a 21-year-old junior and violinist at the UMKC Conservatory, is a pro-choice advocate who supports disrupting Missouri’s abortion ban. Current efforts to do so are being spearheaded by leadership within Planned Parenthood.
The results of this lawsuit will reveal more information on the changes in access to abortion care statewide.
“Though the last two years and the trigger law have not affected me directly,” said Bowles. “It affected so many people in the state of Missouri in need of healthcare, a fundamental human right, that they could not receive.”
