What is Amendment 3?
When Roe v. Wade was overturned in June of 2022, the legality of abortion was returned to the states. Several laws to protect women and children took effect in Missouri, and induced abortion became extremely rare in our state.
On November 5, Missourians will vote on Amendment 3, a broad-reaching amendment that seeks to enshrine abortion as a constitutional right in our state. Passage of this amendment would make common sense restrictions on abortion nearly impossible to implement or enforce – parental consent, certain health and safety laws, ultrasounds, waiting periods, and other safeguards for women. The bishops of Missouri and the Missouri Catholic Conference are calling on all Missourians of goodwill to Vote NO on Amendment 3.
Missourians have a lot of honest questions surrounding the issue of abortion, and particularly its legislation. Watch the bulletin for more information about Amendment 3 and learn more via the link below.
Is Amendment 3 affiliated with a political party?
Amendment 3 is not affiliated with a political party. Abortion has been made into a wedge issue between Democrats and Republicans. As Catholics, we believe in the dignity of every human person from womb to tomb. We are staunch defenders of the unborn, the migrant, the poor, the elderly, the prisoner and all who are oppressed.
Catholics are working in both major political parties and as independents to protect the dignity of every human person. No political party professes all the truth, goodness, and beauty that we stand for as Catholics, and our faith teaches us to bring this fullness of truth into our political parties.
Voting on Amendment 3 is not the same as voting for a political candidate who may or may not enact certain laws. Amendment 3 is a stand-alone vote that is a direct attack on the unborn and their mothers. Catholics of all and no political affiliations should be united in our efforts to vote NO on Amendment 3 and encourage others to do the same.
What does the language of Amendment 3 actually say?
Amendment 3 talking points are starting to appear everywhere – commercials, yard signs, online ads. Yet, understanding all that we are voting on in this amendment is a little bit confusing. The language on the ballot will only reflect a small portion of what the constitutional amendment will actually say and do. In a constitutional amendment, every word matters.
For example, if Amendment 3 passes, parental consent and notification laws will be eliminated. Section 2 of the amendment says, “The Government shall not deny or infringe upon a person’s fundamental right to reproductive freedom…”
By using “person” instead of adult or woman, anyone under the age of 18 could have an abortion or make any other reproductive decision without their parents’ consent or notification.1 No subsequent legislation (other than another amendment) will be able to change this. Please safeguard parental rights by voting no on Amendment 3.
Here’s how you can become more informed:
1. Read the Amendment yourself here: https://tinyurl.com/Amendment3FullText.
2. Pick up the “Where Does it Say That?” handout in the back of church from the Missouri Catholic Conference, which further explains the text of the Amendment.
3. Watch a video from Fr. Mitchell Baer (5 min) of the St. Louis Archdiocese explaining the implications of the amendment (see QR code above).
1 From “Where Does it Say That?” by the Missouri Catholic Conference
What about miscarriage? Do Missouri’s current laws allow for comprehensive miscarriage care?
Yes! Women suffering from miscarriage, stillbirth or ectopic pregnancy have always been able to legally receive a full spectrum of care for these difficult situations. Providing treatment for miscarriage and performing an induced abortion are not the same thing, even though they may require the same procedures and medications.
The key distinction is that in a miscarriage, the baby has already died. In an abortion, the baby is still living. When a woman presents with a difficult situation during pregnancy, and her baby is still alive, the goal is to treat both patients. As Dr. Alexa Williams, an OB/Gyn at Mercy Hospital, explains in a recent article (https://www.stlouisreview.com/story/amendment-3-intertwines-abortion-with-other-forms-of-reproductive-care/), Catholic hospitals have been and will continue to provide treatment in difficult situations – including ectopic pregnancies and where the life of the mother is at stake.
Amendment 3 is not necessary to provide comprehensive health care for miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and stillbirth.
Loss of a child in pregnancy is a devastating experience for far too many women (and men). If you have lost a child in pregnancy (whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion), know that you are not alone. The Archdiocese of St. Louis offers many resources for women, men, and couples seeking support and healing after loss of a child (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgiBxhpgHCg).
Information provided by the Missouri Catholic Conference, September 18, 2024.
Amendment 3 – Be an informed voter
Amendment 3 has broad-reaching implications for women, girls, and babies in the St. Louis area. The text on the ballot is NOT the full amendment to the constitution, and we owe it to our neighbors to become informed voters. For example, abortions disproportionately affect minority women, particularly black women. According to the CDC in 2021, 28.6% of all abortions were performed on black women, even though they make up less than 14% of the population. This amounted to a staggering 498 abortions per 1,000 live births in the black community1. We must advocate for better solutions to the challenges our brothers and sisters face!
Section 5 of Amendment 3 states, “No person shall be penalized, prosecuted, or otherwise subjected to adverse action based on their actual, potential, perceived, or alleged pregnancy outcomes, including but not limited to miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion. Nor shall any person assisting a person in exercising their right to reproductive freedom with that person’s consent be penalized, prosecuted, or otherwise subjected to adverse action for doing so.”
Everyone agrees that NO woman should be penalized or prosecuted for having an abortion. However, Amendment 3 would shield negligent health care providers – rather than protecting women – after a botched abortion or delivery. Please protect Missouri women by voting NO on Amendment 3.
How can you become more informed about Amendment 3?
Visit the advocacy table downstairs after the 8 and 10 am Masses. Bring your questions and pick up resources to enable your own research. You can also bring questions to the “What is Amendment 3?” talk on Monday, October 28 at 7 pm at SMOS.
1https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/ss/ss7209a1.htm#T6_down