By Aidan Bearden / Staff Writer

On Nov. 3, voters will decide whether to preserve or repeal the right to an abortion in Missouri under Amendment 3. In 2024, Missourians voted to legalize abortion up to fetal viability by 51.6% of the vote. This primary election will show whether Missourians’ 2024 majority vote will prevail or if Missouri’s right-leaning voting habits will triumph. Not only does Amendment 3 ban abortion in Missouri, but it would also constitutionally ban gender-affirming care for minors. Although gender-affirming care is already banned in Missouri, Amendment 3 would place the ban inside the Missouri Constitution.

The ballot specifically says that Amendment 3, if passed, would “Repeal the 2024 voter-approved Amendment providing reproductive healthcare rights, including abortion through fetal viability; Allow abortions for rape and incest (under twelve-weeks’ gestation), emergencies, and fetal anomalies; Allow legislation regulating abortion; Ensure parental consent for minors’ abortions; Prohibit gender transition procedures for minors?”

Citizens and organizations have placed yard signs relating to Amendment 3 throughout Marshall. The Knights of Columbus, a local charitable organization associated with the St. Peter Catholic Church has multiple signs in the yard of their building, encouraging voters to approve Amendment 3. The Delta reached out to the St. Peter Catholic Church for comment, but they did not respond.

MVU student Kenley Thornhill voted with the majority in 2024 to legalize abortion up to fetal viability and is upset that the issue of abortion is back on the Missouri primary ballot.

Thornhill said, “I’m annoyed that this has already been passed and we’re being forced to vote on this topic that was already decided.”

Thornhill believes that Amendment 3 is redundant, but plans on voting and hopes that this time around, Amendment 3, will be rejected.