Missouri voters have passed Amendment 3, with 51.9% in favor, officially enshrining reproductive rights into the state constitution and repealing one of the nation’s strictest abortion bans. The vote restores access to abortion services up to 24 weeks of pregnancy and safeguards other reproductive healthcare options, such as birth control.
Local organizations, including the National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis (NCJWSTL) and Access MO, played a crucial role in driving the campaign to pass Amendment 3. These groups mobilized quickly, collecting more than 380,000 petition signatures from all corners of Missouri in under three months. Their volunteers worked tirelessly, knocking on doors, making phone calls and distributing thousands of yard signs to spread awareness.
NCJWSTL
NCJW St. Louis took a leadership role in Missouri’s largest congressional district, orchestrating significant canvassing operations, fundraising events, and signature notarization drives. Their work centered on countering misinformation and emphasizing the amendment’s importance to women’s health and autonomy.
“We collected 15,000 signatures, notarized over 20,000 signatures, raised funds, held the largest canvass of the campaign, and distributed nearly 2,000-yard signs,” said Marlene Hammerman, past NCJWSTL president and chair of the Amendment 3 Working Group. “I am so proud of the work NCJW has done and the many volunteers and staff who made it possible. The passage of Amendment 3 also signals that the women of Missouri have autonomy over their own bodies.”
Hammerman stressed how the amendment’s passage would relieve OB/GYN physicians who previously feared legal repercussions when managing high-risk pregnancies and miscarriages.
“I have heard from doctors who feared legal consequences when caring for high-risk pregnant women and managing miscarriages,” Hammerman explained. “They will now be able to give the women of Missouri the care they need and deserve.”
Access MO
Access MO was pivotal in the fight for reproductive rights, mobilizing a wide volunteer network and collaborating with advocacy groups to engage every part of Missouri. Volunteers knocked on doors, made phone calls and ran statewide initiatives to educate the public and counter misinformation about Amendment 3.
“In less than three months, over 380,000 Missourians from every county signed a petition to restore reproductive healthcare,” said Dana Sandweiss, president of the board of Access MO. “They showed up at this election, cutting through the lies and misinformation, and voted to make Missouri the first state to end a total abortion ban.”
Sandweiss underscored the significance of overturning Missouri’s abortion ban, emphasizing that the amendment would return critical healthcare decisions to medical professionals and restore bodily autonomy for women.
“Ending Missouri’s total abortion ban will not only restore essential healthcare access but also give women back control over their own bodies,” Sandweiss said. “This change will make Missouri a more welcoming and supportive place for families to live, work, and thrive.”
Jewish values and reproductive rights
Jewish teachings emphasize the sanctity of life, which extends to reproductive health through “pikuach nefesh,” the commandment to save a life. Rabbi Andrea Goldstein articulated this value in an essay on the Access Mo website, writing:
“In Judaism, abortion is not considered murder because the fetus does not attain personhood until birth. The life of the woman carrying the pregnancy always takes precedence,” she explained. Goldstein emphasized the respect for human autonomy in Jewish tradition, stating, “If I see you as created in the image of God, I trust your ability to discern and decide.”
In her opinion piece published by the Jewish Light on April 3, Rabbi Susan Talve of Central Reform Congregation, shared memories of her mother helping women access safe abortions before Roe v. Wade.
“Abortion bans put lives in the hands of politicians instead of physicians. Our tradition supports the right of pregnant people to choose life for themselves when necessary,” Talve said. She highlighted the Jewish commitment to vulnerable communities, a core value driving her support for Amendment 3.
Work continues
Despite Amendment 3’s success, Hammerman and Sandweiss remain vigilant against expected challenges. Both emphasized ongoing advocacy and collaboration to defend reproductive rights.
“Access MO, along with healthcare advocates statewide, is committed to protecting Missouri’s constitutional right to reproductive healthcare,” Sandweiss stated. “Missourians spoke loudly this November; they want and deserve to control their own reproductive freedom.”
Added Hammerman: “This fight is far from over. NCJW will counter efforts to restrict reproductive freedom as we always have—by working with like-minded groups, educating legislators, and making our voices heard. We will continue building relationships with lawmakers from both parties and speaking up when necessary.”
