Rival Campaign Clears Path for Ballot Initiative Supported by Planned Parenthood
Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, a campaign backed by Planned Parenthood and other abortion-rights groups, can now move forward without competition as Corley’s withdrawal from the race leaves them uncontested. The ballot initiative aims to protect the right to abortion in the state constitution while allowing lawmakers to regulate it after viability.
Responding to Restrictive Legislation
The urgency of these efforts arises from the recent implementation of a law passed by Missouri’s Republican-led Legislature in 2022, effectively banning almost all abortions. Presently, abortions in the state are only legal in cases of “medical emergencies.”
The Proposal for a Moderate Alternative
Corley, in pitching her initiative petition, positioned it as a more moderate alternative. According to her proposal, abortions would be allowed for any reason up until 12 weeks into pregnancy. Furthermore, abortions in cases of rape, incest, and fatal fetal abnormalities would be allowed until viability.
An Uphill Battle in a Conservative State
Corley’s decision to withdraw stems from the belief that her proposal had a better chance of success in Missouri, where Republicans hold all elected statewide officeholder positions and anti-abortion groups wield significant influence in state politics.
Missourians for Constitutional Freedom Seeks Support
Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the campaign now unopposed, is yet to respond to an emailed request for comment. However, earlier this week, they commenced signature gathering events across the state. The campaign must collect a minimum of 172,000 voter signatures by May 5 to secure a spot on November’s ballot.