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Jefferson City, MO – Advocates of reproductive freedom are applauding news that a ballot initiative to end Missouri’s total abortion ban was officially certified by the Missouri Secretary of State today. The milestone marks a critical step toward restoring reproductive rights in Missouri, bringing the historic effort one step closer to being put to voters this November. If approved, the constitutional amendment would make Missouri the first state in the nation to end a total ban on abortion services by referendum since the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v Wade in 2022.

The initiative has garnered more signatures than any other in Missouri’s history. In May, Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, with funding and technical assistance from The Fairness Project, submitted nearly 400,000 signatures, more than double the number required to be certified to place the proposed constitutional amendment on November’s ballot.

The amendment would overturn one of the strictest abortion bans in the nation and establish the right for Missourians to make their own decisions about reproductive health care, including abortion, birth control, and miscarriage care.

“This effort is a lifeline for Missourians who are now living under a senseless and cruel abortion ban passed by politicians who are deeply out of touch with voters in the state. Missourians want and need to make their own health care decisions without government interference. Today, Missourians for Constitutional Freedom moved voters one step closer to securing reproductive rights, and we are proud to stand with them,” said Kelly Hall, Executive Director of the Fairness Project.

The Fairness Project is among the largest funders and strategic partners of abortion ballot measures in the country.  Since Roe was overturned, the organization has quickly become a U.S. leader in restoring and protecting abortion access via ballot measures, helping to secure victories for reproductive rights in Michigan, Vermont, and Ohio. This November, the group is bringing resources, technical expertise, strategic support, and more to ballot campaigns in Arizona, Florida, Montana, and Missouri. 

Since 2022, 21 GOP-led state legislatures have enacted severe restrictions or outright bans on abortion. In response, the Fairness Project has directed its national campaign and fundraising operation to restore and protect reproductive rights with citizen-initiated ballot measures. As of today, abortion rights are undefeated at the ballot box, winning in seven states, including Kansas and Montana.

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