What's happened
Missouri's recent constitutional amendment guaranteeing abortion rights faces legal challenges as old restrictions remain in effect. The state’s attorney general argues for enforcement of these laws, while abortion rights advocates seek to halt them. The situation complicates access to abortion services in the state, leaving many rights unfulfilled.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to AP News, the amendment approved by nearly 52% of voters guarantees reproductive health decisions, yet the state's attorney general insists on enforcing old laws like the 72-hour waiting period. Emily Wales, president of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, stated, "As of today, Missourians have an unrealized constitutional right." The Independent echoes this sentiment, highlighting the ongoing legal battles as abortion rights advocates push for the enforcement of the new amendment against the backdrop of existing restrictions. The conflicting views between state officials and reproductive rights advocates illustrate the complexities of implementing the amendment effectively.
How we got here
In November, Missouri voters approved an amendment to the state constitution affirming the right to abortion. However, existing laws, including a 72-hour waiting period, complicate the implementation of this new right, leading to ongoing legal disputes.
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Missouri is a state in the Midwestern United States. With more than six million residents, it is the 18th-most populous state of the country. The largest urban areas are St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield and Columbia; the capital is Jefferson City. The
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Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113, was a landmark decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in which the Court ruled that the Constitution of the United States protects a pregnant woman's liberty to choose to have an abortion without excessive government restriction.
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Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., or Planned Parenthood, is a nonprofit organization that provides reproductive health care in the United States and globally.