Missouri Amendment 3: What you need to know before you vote

Let’s be real: as college students, we’re juggling midterms, clubs and part-time jobs. Keeping up with state politics? Probably not at the top of the list. But with Missouri Amendment 3 hitting the ballot this November, it’s worth taking a break to understand what’s at stake - especially when it could affect your personal health decisions.

What is Amendment 3, and why does it matter?

In a nutshell, Amendment 3, also known as the Right to Reproductive Freedom Initiative, is all about protecting your right to make decisions about reproductive healthcare, including access to contraception, birth control and abortion.

Right now, Missouri has some of the strictest abortion laws in the country. Abortion is nearly completely banned except in medical emergencies. If Amendment 3 passes, it would change that by legalizing abortion up to about 24 weeks of pregnancy, with some exceptions for the health of the mother after that point.

It’s not just about abortion, though. The amendment also promises to protect access to contraception and other reproductive healthcare services, which many college students depend on, whether through university health centers or state programs. So, this could affect you or someone you know.

However, the amendment isn’t without controversy. Some students and Missouri residents feel it goes too far in expanding access to abortion, raising ethical and moral questions.

How did Amendment 3 get on the ballot?

You might be wondering how an issue like this ended up on Missouri’s ballot. It’s been a long process.

Dr. Jeremy Walling, a political science professor at Southeast Missouri State University, explained how Missouri’s unique political system allows citizens to directly influence policy.

“In Missouri, we have access to this thing called initiative petition, and not every state has that. How this thing even got on the ballot was voters signing a petition that said, ‘We want to be able to vote for this,’” Walling said.

Earlier this year, Amendment 3 faced legal battles but was eventually cleared by the Missouri Supreme Court, which ruled that voters get the final say. The court’s decision came after Missourians for Constitutional Freedom gathered thousands of signatures to get the initiative on the ballot.

Now, Missouri joins nine other states where voters will decide on abortion rights this year. Since Missouri has some of the strictest laws on the issue, this vote could shake things up.

So, what are SEMO students saying?

Opinions on the amendment vary among SEMO students.

For some students, like Mia Williams, a sophomore nursing major and College Democrats African American caucus chair, it’s about making sure women have control over their own healthcare choices.

“I feel like when it comes to women’s bodies, it should be their decision, between them and their doctors,” Williams said.

For others, like senior pre-law major and College Republicans treasurer Maddi White, it’s about protecting the lives of every human, including the unborn.

“I think every life matters, I’m personally not for reversing Amendment 3. But that’s why we get to vote, we are a republic after all,” White said.

Why should you care?

Regardless of where you stand on the issue, Amendment 3 has the potential to impact healthcare access and reproductive rights in Missouri.

If you rely on university health services for contraception or reproductive care, this amendment might affect that access. On the flip side, if you’re against expanding abortion access, this is your chance to keep Missouri’s laws the way they are.

Dr. Walling pointed out that younger voters, especially Gen Z, could have a huge impact on the outcome.

“Your generation is absolutely important. If this is going to pass, it’ll be because you guys showed up to vote,” Walling said.

Before you head to the polls…

The outcome of this election is going to have a lasting impact on the state and the future of reproductive rights. So, grab a coffee, read up, and don’t be afraid to join the conversation.

At the end of the day, whether you support or oppose Amendment 3, one thing’s for sure: your vote matters - and this November, you have the chance to make it count.

Dr. Walling’s advice is simple: don’t be afraid to read what the other side is saying. In fact, he encourages it, saying, “If you believe something and you have faith in it and it’s an ideal for you, then it should be able to withstand criticism and scrutiny.”

To learn more about how to register to vote in the upcoming election, visit https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/register.