Missouri Judge Orders Constitutional Amendment Be Made Available for Abortion Rights; Decides against AG Bailey

Following a back-and-forth between Republican officials in Missouri, a judge has ruled the issue be put forward for voters.

Cole County Presiding Judge Jon Beetem ruled this week for Attorney General Andrew Bailey to approve the $51,000 proposal put forward by State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick.

Bailey had previously refused to approve the price due to what the state would lose in Medicaid funding.

Beetem, however, said the Attorney General has no authority to change the price or create his own judgement.

The attorney general’s office plans to appeal the decision.

There is now opportunity for a constitutional amendment ensuring abortion rights to be on the ballot in 2024.