Missouri - What to watch in 2026

Last updated: May 12, 2026

Missouri voters are expected to decide whether to keep or repeal the reproductive rights amendment approved in 2024. After voters added abortion protections to the state constitution, Missouri lawmakers placed a competing constitutional amendment on the 2026 ballot that would repeal and replace those protections with a more restrictive framework that is likely to function as a near-total abortion ban.

As a result, Missouri’s 2026 election is not only about future abortion policy, but whether lawmakers can reverse protections that voters approved just two years earlier. The proposal also includes a constitutional prohibition on gender transition procedures for minors.

What's at Stake

Missouri voters will decide whether the reproductive rights protections added to the state constitution in 2024 remain in place or are replaced with a more restrictive constitutional amendment proposed by the legislature.

A YES vote would repeal the current constitutional protections for abortion and replace them with a framework that allows abortion only in limited circumstances while adding new constitutional restrictions.

A NO vote would leave the 2024 reproductive rights amendment in place.

The proposal also includes a constitutional prohibition on gender transition procedures for minors, including gender transition surgeries, cross-sex hormones, and puberty-blocking drugs, with exceptions for certain medical conditions.

Text - Proposed amendment

"Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

• Repeal the 2024 voter-approved Amendment providing reproductive healthcare rights, including abortion through fetal viability;
• Allow abortions for rape and incest (under twelve weeks’ gestation), emergencies, and fetal anomalies;
• Allow legislation regulating abortion;
• Ensure parental consent for minors’ abortions;
• Prohibit gender transition procedures for minors?

State governmental entities estimate no costs or savings. Greene County estimates it may experience an unknown increase in tax revenue. Other local governmental entities estimate no costs or savings.

Upcoming Elections

Primary election (August 4, 2026)

• Missouri State Senate (about half the chamber)
• Missouri House of Representatives (all seats)
• U.S. House of Representatives (8 seats)

Primaries determine which candidates advance to the general election and shape the policy options available to voters in November.

General election (November 3, 2026)

• Missouri State Senate (about half the chamber)
• Missouri House of Representatives (all seats)
• Missouri Supreme Court retention election (1 seat)
• US House of Representatives (8 seats)
• Amendment 3 (full text): If rejected by voters, it maintains Missouri's constitutional right to abortion. It also does not change existing state laws related to gender transitions.

Election Resources

The following links provide official information about the ballot, voter registration, and elected representatives.

Ballotpedia - Missouri ballot measures, 2026
Missouri Secretary of State - Approved ballot language (all 2026 measures)

Locate your district's representatives

• Missouri House of Representatives - The official MO House directory
• Missouri Senate - The official Senate directory

WRDI provides election context to support an informed understanding of how laws and policies change. The initiative does not endorse candidates or parties.