Abortion rights ballot measures in Nebraska and Missouri are facing legal challenges ahead of looming certification deadlines.
Missouri Judge Christopher Limbaugh on Friday ruled against an abortion rights ballot measure in the state, agreeing with a lawsuit that alleged the “petition violated state law by failing to provide voters with a list of Missouri laws that would be repealed, directly or by implication,” should it pass.
The proposed measure aimed to enshrine the right to an abortion in the state’s constitution, prohibiting any government interference related to the procedure.
Missouri organizers behind the ballot measure are hoping to appeal Limbaugh’s decision in front of the state Supreme Court on Tuesday to stop an injunction — but Tuesday is also the deadline for ballot changes. If the court decides not to intervene, then an injunction would go in place, officially striking the ballot measure.
“The court’s decision to block Amendment 3 from appearing on the ballot is a profound injustice to the initiative petition process and undermines the rights of the 380,000 Missourians who signed our petition demanding a voice on this critical issue,” Rachel Sweet, campaign manager for Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, said in a statement.