Protect our Freedom of Bodily Autonomy- NO on SJR 33

Senate Joint Resolution No. 33 is a dangerous step that undermines our fundamental rights and freedoms. By amending our state constitution to severely restrict reproductive health care, this resolution not only endangers women’s autonomy but also harms transgender youth and compromises the trust between patients and their health care providers. Section 36(a)(1) limits abortions solely to cases of medical emergency, rape, or incest—with even stricter time limits for rape or incest—ignoring the complex, personal circumstances many women face. Reputable research from the Guttmacher Institute confirms that comprehensive reproductive services are essential to safeguarding women’s health and well-being. Section 36(a)(2) forbids the use of public funds for abortions, a measure that disproportionately affects low-income individuals who depend on taxpayer-supported health care. FactCheck.org has repeatedly demonstrated that cutting off these funds only deepens health disparities and leaves vulnerable communities without critical support. Section 36(a)(3) bans gender transition surgeries, cross‑sex hormones, and puberty‑blocking drugs for minors undergoing gender transition, despite consensus from leading organizations such as the American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association that gender-affirming care is vital for the mental and physical health of transgender youth. Finally, Section 36(a)(4) imposes potential civil liabilities on anyone involved in prenatal or reproductive care, which could chill medical practice and erode the patient-provider trust essential to effective health care delivery. Organizations like the ACLU have warned that such measures risk infringing on our most basic civil liberties. This resolution, in its current form, violates our rights by restricting access to critical health care services and discriminating against those who need them the most. We must stand together for a Missouri that respects personal autonomy and values evidence-based policies that protect every member of our community. I request a formal written response from your office outlining your stance on Senate Joint Resolution No. 33 and the steps you will take to safeguard the rights and freedoms of all Missourians.