JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri House Republicans have passed vital legislation to protect women and children and promote a culture of life in Missouri. House Joint Resolution 73 (HJR 73), upon voter approval, amends the State Constitution by repealing Article I, Section 36, and adopts a new section relating to reproductive health care.
Initially sponsored by Representative Ed Lewis and then led by Representative Brian Seitz, the bill language was amended in the House Committee on Children and Families to further strengthen health and safety protections for women and children. This legislation also provides for exceptions in cases of rape, incest, medical emergency, or fetal anomaly.
“The Republican House Majority is a Pro-Life Majority,” Majority Floor Leader Alex Riley, R-Springfield, said. “House Joint Resolution 73 will place another question in front of the voters which if passed at the ballot box in 2026 will protect Missouri’s most vulnerable. It provides critical protections for moms and babies and gives voters additional options to consider. It guarantees access to medical care that women need, works to reinstate health and safety standards, ensures parental consent is required for sensitive medical decisions, and protects kids from harmful gender transition procedures and drugs. We will continue to work with our Senate colleagues to get this pro-life legislation in front of Missouri voters.”
“We have produced a bill that most Missourians can get behind,” Rep. Ed Lewis, R-Moberly, said. “This amendment would protect both the unborn and pregnant women who need medical treatment.”
“When I was first elected, I promised to help create a culture of life in Missouri, and to stand for the unborn,” Rep. Brian Seitz, R-Branson said. “This legislation reflects Missouri’s strong history of protecting life; fixes unclear, problematic language written and funded by out-of-state interests; and strengthens protections for women and children. I am proud to help improve protections for mothers and their children and to give the people of Missouri the chance to do the same.”
HJR 73 gives voters the opportunity to improve health and safety standards for women and children, including:
- Protecting Missourians from medical malpractice.
- Ensuring access to care for medical emergencies, ectopic pregnancies, and miscarriages.
- Requiring physicians performing abortions to have nearby hospital admitting privileges.
- Reinstating health and safety inspections at abortion facilities.
- Returning parental consent for minors receiving medical procedures.
- Clarifying definitions and providing clear guidance on previously vague and widely disputed language.