Missouri advocates discuss Amendment 3 passage, what happens now

planned parenthood patty brous health center
planned parenthood patty brous health center

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Outside the Planned Parenthood Patty Brous Health Center in Kansas City, advocates spoke on the roller coaster of emotions many were feeling about election results, but said they wanted to celebrate for a “historic moment for Missouri.”

“We have overturned a total abortion ban for the first time in this country with the help of everyone and that is pretty incredible,” said Dr. Iman Alsaden, the Chief Medical Officer for Planned Parenthood Great Plains. “We did have this amazing victory in the state of Missouri.”

Several speakers shared personal stories of how the the state’s total abortion ban has affected them.

“My story begins in my doctor’s office,” said Saba Deutschmann, with Abortion Action MO. “We had decided to try a new medication to treat my severe endometriosis. I have lived with endometriosis since I was 11. I have had surgeries, tried every form of birth control, and endured years of discomfort. At 21, my doctor gave me a new medication and then a month later I found out I was pregnant. I had just moved to Kansas City to start law school and I was absolutely terrified.”

Deutschmann recounts calling every clinic that she could searching for an appointment, with clinics in Kansas and Illinois packed.

‘When I finally got to Planned Parenthood in Overland Park, I remember my hand shaking as I handed my debit card to the person behind the counter, wondering how I was going to afford rent that month and books for law school,” said Deutschmann. “Just all the fears we have on a daily basis. The compassionate care I received that day changed my life. Without those courageous healthcare providers, I would have been forced to carry a pregnancy I didn’t want.”

Deutschmann says she will be graduating law school in December.

“Shortly after the Dobbs opinion officially came down, I went to my gynecologist for routine care,” said Ashton Botts, with Abortion Action MO. “I asked if I need lifesaving care due to a pregnancy, will you be able to save my life? She couldn’t tell me yes. In that moment, I realized the assault on our healthcare was immanent, it was sweeping, and I needed to do something to fight back.”

Although Amendment 3 passed, it does not mean that abortion access has been explicitly restored. Abortion rights advocates have to sue the state of Missouri to overturn the ban; a lawsuit has been filed in Jackson County.

They say if they win the injunction, abortion access could potentially restart in the state as soon as early December. Advocates also acknowledge it could be a long road ahead.

“In the coming months, we will have lawsuits, legislative fights, and countless opportunities for action,” said Cara Hile, with Abortion Action MO. “The only way we will be successful in these endeavors is if the people who showed up over the last year continue to show up and bring their neighbors with them.”

Abortion rights amendments also passed in Arizona, Colorado, Maryland and Montana.

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