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Missouri Politics

MU students support abortion question appearing on the November ballot

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September 10, 2024 11:23 PM
Published 7:46 PM

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Some University of Missouri students say the Missouri Supreme Court's decision to put a question about abortion access back on the November ballot was the right move.

The court overturned a lower court's decision that would have removed a question regarding legalizing abortion from the Nov. 5 ballot on Tuesday. The decision was made around 2 p.m. after the court heard arguments.

The decision was in regards to Amendment 3, which would allow an abortion until fetal viability.

Madeline Bunke is a freshman at MU who said she supports the decision being left up to voters.

"I think we're living in a democracy, so I think it's important that like voters should have the opportunity to make choices like that," Bunke said. "So, I think it's a very good thing we've been allowed to make this decision for our country, or for the state."

Madyson Carruth is a senior at MU who said she remembers being in Washington D.C. when discussions were happening to overturn Roe V. Wade. Carruth said the situation was eye-opening to her, being able to see protests and people marching to the Supreme Court.

She said she finds it disheartening, but not surprising that the question of abortion still draws up controversy.

Carruth said Tuesday's decsion brings her hope for the future of Missouri, especially given the fact that the state typically leans red.

"I think that's really good considering that we are in Missouri and how hard it is for women to do reproductive rights here so I think that we are going in the right direction just in general," Carruth said. "There's so many black women who need access to abortions and just access in general. So, I think that by amendment three being passed, I think we can work towards other amendments being passed as well."

Francine Montiero is also a freshman at the university who said due to personal religious beliefs, she's unsure of if she supports abortions being allowed up to fetal viability, as the amendment states.

However, Montiero said the decision ultimately should be left up to the person who is experiencing it, noting that sometimes a woman keeping the child can lead to generational trauma.

"It's supposed to be up to the voters because voters have a wide perspective of what is happening, rather than the government," Montiero said. "I think it's a woman's decision and not anybody else, whether it was an accident or not."

Missouri politicians respond to ruling

Some Missouri politicians also responded to Monday's ruling.

In an interview with ABC 17 News shortly after the ruling was decided, House Democratic Leader and Democratic nominee for governor Crystal Quade said she's glad Missourians will have a say on the issue.

"There have been so many times that these folks have tried to deny Missourians their voice and it's so frustrating, but glad again today to be able to say that we're going to have an opportunity to vote on this in November," Quade said.,

Lieutenant Governor and Republican nominee for governor Mike Kehoe was not available for an interview Monday. However, in a statement sent to ABC 17 News via email, Kehoe said he urges Missourians to research the consequences of the amendment.

"As a father of four, I know how precious life is and I have been a consistent defender of the rights of the unborn. I believe Amendment 3 is a deceptive effort by out-of-state interests, and I urge Missourians to do their research on the far-reaching consequences of this amendment before voting in November," the statement reads.

U.S. Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO) also released a statement calling amendment 3 "radical."

“We cannot allow organizations to mislead voters like this, and today’s decision allowing Amendment 3 to remain on the ballot is a profound disappointment. It’s a loss for our Constitution, a loss for the people of Missouri, and a loss for Life," the statement reads.

Lucas Kunce, who is the Democratic candidate running against Sen. Josh Hawley, supported the court's decision in a post on "X."

"The lies and lawfare used by Josh Hawley and his allies to try to block a citizen-led effort to end their total abortion ban have failed. Missourians: We're taking our power back in November," the post reads.

The Missouri Republican Party called the decision "devastating."

"This ruling marks the most dangerous threat to Missouri's pro-life laws in our state's history," the party wrote in a statement. "Make no mistake -- this amendment, bankrolled by radical out-of-state interest groups, is a direct assault on Missouri families and the values we hold dear."

Former Democratic U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill also showed support for the court's ruling in a post on "X" and urged voters state to pass it.

"Big props to Missourians for Constitutional Freedom on their long and tireless fight to get reproductive freedom on the ballot in MO in N. I am in awe of their effort and tenacity. Now let’s pass it!!!," the post states.

Article Topic Follows: Missouri Politics

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Nia Hinson

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