In 2024, Missouri voters made a clear decision. By a statewide majority, we amended our Constitution to protect reproductive health care, including access to abortion, and to stop politicians from interfering in deeply personal medical decisions. That vote reflected a simple principle most Missourians share: when the people decide, their decision should be respected.

Now, just two years later, some lawmakers are pushing a 2026 ballot initiative that would undo that choice and reinstate a near‑total abortion ban. This is not about refining policy or responding to new facts. It is about reversing an outcome certain politicians didn’t like.

No matter where we fall personally on abortion, we should all be alarmed when elected officials try to override the will of the voters. If a constitutional amendment passed by a majority can be put back on the chopping block almost immediately, then no voter‑approved right is truly secure. Today it’s abortion. Tomorrow it could be something else entirely.

This issue is also about health care. Missourians already face long travel distances, delays, and unnecessary barriers when seeking reproductive care. Reinstating a near‑blanket abortion ban would once again push care out of reach—especially for rural families, low‑income patients, and those facing medical emergencies. Medical decisions belong in the exam room, guided by patients, families, and doctors—not politicians and campaign tactics.

Government should not force one set of beliefs onto everyone else, and private family medical decisions should remain private.

We call on Missouri lawmakers to stop advancing efforts to roll back voter‑approved abortion rights and to oppose any 2026 ballot initiative that would strip away constitutional protections. Respect the voters. Respect personal freedom. Respect the democratic process.

Missouri already decided. Our leaders should honor that decision.