WASHINGTON — The defeat of Missouri’s Amendment 3 allows cruel abortion practices to continue in the state and represents a deeply disappointing setback for efforts to protect unborn children and their mothers. Notable is the coastal money that flooded the state to mislead voters.

“With the backing of millions of dollars from coastal elites, the Missouri Constitution will continue to open the door to abortion throughout pregnancy,” said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. “Tonight’s results are a setback, but it’s not the final word. An election cannot diminish the humanity of an unborn child or end our responsibility to speak for those whose lives are at risk.”

Amendment 3 would have repealed the broad abortion provisions adopted in 2024 and replaced them with language allowing stronger protections for unborn children, parental consent requirements, and regulation of abortion providers and facilities. Public reports note that the abortion industry and its allies poured over $28 million into the state. The YES campaign was outspent by more than 3-to-1.

National Right to Life commended its state affiliate, Missouri Right to Life, and the grassroots advocates who worked to secure the measure’s passage. 

“Missouri Right to Life and its volunteers worked tirelessly to explain the stakes of this vote,” said Tobias. “We will stand alongside them as we continue educating the public, defending protections for life, and advocating for practical support for mothers and families.”

Founded in 1968, the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of affiliates in each of the 50 states, is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. National Right to Life works through legislation and education to protect innocent human life from abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide, and euthanasia.