Abortion

A series of proposed amendments to Missouri's constitution seeking to legalize abortion is back in court, this time over the ballot language proposed by the secretary of state and expected costs.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey's office filed a brief arguing a trial court decision that forbid the state from zeroing out the Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood services should be reversed.

The leader of the group backing the plan says she identifies as a Republican and is a former spokeswoman for several GOP members of Congress.

Out of 11 versions of a petition submitted to Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, abortion rights supporters appear focused on six, with an eye to winning over voters.

During Republican Day at the Illinois State Fair Thursday, state party leaders sought a message of unity ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

With Missouri's 2024 primaries less than a year away, political hopefuls are attempting to sway voters into their corners ahead of the election.

Voters in Ohio shot down Issue 1, rejecting conservative lawmakers' attempt to change the constitutional amendment process ahead of a vote on reproductive rights this November. The Missouri GOP has been considering pushing a similar measure to block the possibility of voters enshrining abortion access in the state constitution.

The litigation filed in Cole County uses Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s argument that legalizing abortion will cost the state billions of dollars. State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick concluded that reasoning has no merit.

Anti-abortion groups have claimed victory — for now.

Cole County Judge Beetem promises fast decision on the case.