Just six months after Missouri voters approved an abortion-rights amendment, Republican lawmakers have advanced a new measure aimed at repealing it—and replacing it with stricter abortion limits that would only allow the procedure in limited circumstances.

On Wednesday, GOP lawmakers in the Republican-controlled Senate used uncommon procedural tactics to override Democratic opposition and passed the proposed constitutional revision by a 21-11 vote. The measure had already cleared the House last month.

If signed off by voters, the newly proposed amendment would override the current abortion protections and impose a ban on most abortions, making exceptions only in cases of rape, incest, medical emergencies, or fetal anomalies, and only up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.

The amendment would appear on the ballot in November 2026, or earlier if Republican Governor Mike Kehoe calls for a special election.

The Senate chamber erupted in protest after the vote, with demonstrators shouting “Stop the ban!” before being removed by security.

Missouri’s abortion laws have seen dramatic shifts in recent years. When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, a trigger law went into effect in Missouri, banning nearly all abortions statewide.

In response, abortion-rights advocates launched a petition drive, collecting enough signatures to get a constitutional amendment on the ballot. In November 2023, Missouri voters narrowly approved the amendment, which guarantees access to abortion until fetal viability, generally past 21 weeks. It also permits abortions beyond that point if necessary to protect the life or health of the pregnant person.

Now, Republican legislators are moving to undo that amendment, replacing it with one that not only tightens abortion restrictions but also bans gender transition surgeries, hormone treatments, and puberty blockers for minors—actions already outlawed under existing Missouri law.

The new proposal reflects the broader national debate as Republican-led states look to reinforce anti-abortion policies and expand restrictions on gender-affirming care, even after voters have signaled a desire to protect those rights..

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