Serine
A bench trial has been scheduled to address a legal dispute involving the ballot language for a proposed Missouri constitutional amendment that would significantly restrict abortion access.
According to court documents, the trial will take place on August 25 before Judge Daniel Richard Green in Cole County.
ACLU Challenges Secretary of State Over Language
The ACLU of Missouri filed the lawsuit on July 2, targeting Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins.
The civil liberties organization contends that the certified ballot language is “intentionally misleading” and contains an “inaccurate” summary statement that could confuse or misinform voters.
Amendment Aims to Reinstate Strict Abortion Ban
At the center of the lawsuit is House Joint Resolution 73, passed by the Missouri General Assembly earlier this year. If approved by voters in the November 2026 general election, the resolution would:
- Ban all abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy
- Only allow limited exceptions during the first 12 weeks in cases of rape or incest
The proposed amendment represents a significant rollback of reproductive rights and has drawn legal scrutiny over how it will be presented to the public on the ballot.
ACLU Requests New Ballot Language or Full Block
The ACLU is asking the court to:
- Declare the current summary statement and ballot language as unfair and inadequate
- Order the creation of a new, more accurate summary for voters
- Alternatively, block the amendment entirely by ruling that it violates the Missouri Constitution
The legal challenge was initiated by Anna Fitz-James, who petitioned the court on behalf of Missouri voters.
As Missouri approaches another pivotal moment in its abortion legislation landscape, the outcome of this ballot language lawsuit could significantly impact how the proposed abortion ban is presented to voters.
The upcoming bench trial on August 25 will be critical in determining whether the ballot language meets constitutional standards for fairness and clarity.