To the editor:

We would like to correct and clarify some issues raised in recent letters to the editor on Amendment 3, regarding reproductive rights.

First. The current law does allow abortions if the mother’s life is in danger. No letters have said otherwise.

 The problem with that provision is trying to determine when a pregnancy becomes a life threatening emergency. Doctors who act in their professional opinion that a pregnant woman has life threatening condition, can always be second guessed by a prosecutor saying it was not life threatening. That can result in legal complications and if the doctor loses in court, it could result in loss of license and up to 5 years in jail. Many doctors may not act in time to save the woman’s life for fear of being prosecuted. 

Second. A recent letter stated that Amendment 3 would allow abortions until the ninth month.  

Amendment 3 specifically allows the legislature to take action and have abortion restricted or banned after fetal viability. Fetal viability depends on many factors but is generally accepted to be at 24 weeks gestation.

Third. A recent letter stated that if Amendment 3 passes, “A child under the age of 18 can receive 

sex transformational therapy without the parent’s permission.” This is an untrue statement. Amendment 3 says absolutely nothing about sex transformational therapy. Amendment 3 redefines Article 1, Section 36 of the Missouri Constitution as “The Right to Reproductive Freedom Initiative” In Article 1, Section 2 it defines the meaning of Reproductive Freedom:  “The Government shall not deny or infringe upon a person’s fundamental right to reproductive freedom, which is the right to make and carry out decisions about all matters relating to reproductive health care, including but not limited to prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, birth control, abortion care, miscarriage care and respectful birthing conditions.” 

We support a YES vote on Amendment 3 on November 5.

Respectfully,

Gene Bowen and Cindy Bowen

Armstrong, Mo