Missouri Judge Rules That Abortion Ballot Measure Is Invalid

What Happened?

A Missouri judge has ruled that a ballot measure that would have banned abortion after eight weeks of pregnancy is invalid.

The measure, known as Amendment 1, was set to appear on the ballot in November.

But Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem ruled that the amendment's language was misleading and confusing.

Why Did the Judge Rule This Way?

Beetem said that the amendment's language did not make it clear that it would ban abortion after eight weeks of pregnancy.

He said that the amendment's language could be interpreted to mean that it would only ban abortion after 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Beetem also said that the amendment's language did not make it clear that it would apply to all abortions, including those that are necessary to protect the life of the mother.

What Does This Mean for Abortion Access in Missouri?

The judge's ruling means that Amendment 1 will not appear on the ballot in November.

This is a major victory for abortion rights advocates in Missouri.

If Amendment 1 had been passed, it would have been one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country.

What's Next?

It is not yet clear whether the proponents of Amendment 1 will appeal the judge's ruling.

If they do, the case could end up in the Missouri Supreme Court.

In the meantime, abortion remains legal in Missouri up to 22 weeks of pregnancy.