1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

In November 2024, Missourians exercised their right to vote and enshrine the right to abortion and reproductive freedom in the Missouri Constitution. However, politicians in Jefferson City are determined to overturn the will of the people and reinstate an abortion ban in our state. HJR 73, passed by the House, will now be heard by the Senate Families, Seniors, and Health Committee. We urge you to contact the committee members in opposition and urge them to vote against HJR 73. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Missourians who collected signatures, knocked doors, phone banked, and voted, abortion is now legal and accessible in Missouri for the first time in years. HJR 73 is a disingenuous and cruel attempt to ban essential healthcare and deny us our rights. We recognize that barriers to reproductive healthcare, including abortion, disproportionately affect people of color, low-income, and rural communities, survivors, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Abortion bans are a racial justice, economic justice, and gender justice issue. Missourians deserve the freedom to make personal decisions about their reproductive health care without government interference. The majority of Missouri voters affirmed this right at the ballot box. Honor our democratic choice. Disregarding our vote is a blatant disregard for the democratic process. If our votes are insufficient to protect abortion laws as promised, it implies a constitutional defiance, rendering our votes meaningless. If you can unilaterally overturn our decisions, what prevents us from doing the same to you and the presidency? Recognize the value of our votes or risk losing our trust.