Blocking the Ban: As Missouri’s abortion ban is lifted controversies arise

On the morning of March 3, abortion access returned to Columbia, Missouri for the first time since 2018. After the popular citizen vote passed “Amendment 3” in November, abortion rights became restored in the state, being progressively implemented back into practice over the following months. 

Though SM East students are located in Kansas, the effects of the legislation changes may impact close family members and friends that reside in Missouri.

Planned Parenthood agencies in Missouri can only legally operate up to 11 weeks and six days into a pregnancy post-amendment. Operations are still in the process of starting back up depending on the area within the state due to the difficulties of reopening clinics. 

In spite of the lift, push for reform remains adamant among the pro-life community. The director of “Campaign Life Missouri” and anti-abortion lobbyist Sam Lee is determined to not let the continuation of abortion procedures limit his efforts against them.  

“[People] would say ‘You had your shot, you didn’t get it done, so move on,’ [but] the pro-life movement is not going to give up,” Lee said. “We have people who’ve been involved for decades and are ready to work on it for years and years.”

Lee’s campaign has raised millions for pre- and post-birth healthcare, such as childcare credits, pregnancy resource centers and diaper banks in the event of an unwanted pregnancy.

A new bill proposed by Republican Lawmakers on March 5 would enact a 100% tax credit for taxpayers who donate to crisis pregnancy centers, with a cap at $50,000 a year in cuts, according to ProPublica. The bill is saying if taxpayers donate to pregnancy centers you won’t have to pay taxes (as long as the total is under $50,000). The bill would discourage abortions because of the tax cuts while other bills are being proposed to eliminate abortion rights.

Despite the tax bill being in the early stages of establishment, its proposal affirms Lee’s claim of the pro-life movement’s perseverance in implementing their values into Missouri legislation. 

Although surgeries have become available in Missouri, medicated abortions that don’t require surgery are yet to be in practice. Continued restrictions such as these cause many to cross state lines into Kansas, where abortion care is easily accessible, according to East parent and Overland Park Obstetrician and Gynecologist Sarah Baldassaro. 

Baldassaro attended the September Congressional Leadership Conference in D.C. supporting abortion rights and is an ongoing advocate for their implementation into healthcare. 

“I think we did important work [in D.C.], but there was a really strong feeling that there wasn’t any interest from our representatives on the Kansas or Missouri side,” Baldassaro said. “I think it’s terrible that people don’t have access to the care they need right now. We’re happy to take care of those people, but they should be able to receive that care in their own state.”

Baldassaro won’t be satisfied with the results until treatment is available Missouri-wide with medicated abortions too, showing the same persistence that her opponents exhibit. 

Child support laws are still in place and haven’t changed post-Amendment 3 vote, meaning that those who may carry to term will be obligated to financially support their child upon its birth. 

East students have family on both sides of the border. Though Kansas residency is required for East enrollment, there are still effects of abortion legislation. Junior Tiffany Taylor* is wary of the implications of the restricted legislation for her Missourian family members. 

“I have cousins and uncles in Missouri, and the thought of them ruining their lives that easily is really upsetting,” Taylor said. “It’s really disappointing and I don’t understand it.” 

Dir. Lee believes that a majority of voters for Amendment 3 came from fear-mongering advertisements and propaganda in support of abortion care, such as commercials encouraging a pro-choice ballot in Missouri. 

“I think that [voters] were lied to: no woman is being denied care for a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy,” Lee said. “A lot of people just thought that women were dying from a lack of miscarriage care or ectopic pregnancy care and that simply wasn’t true. Though that swayed enough voters.” 

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg grows outside of the uterus, and is solved through various expensive procedures, which Lee’s foundation aims to assist in. 

With both sides of the argument staying adamant on maintaining their beliefs, developments will be on the rise for students to stay informed on.