Some passages of Amendment 3 don’t come right out and announce attempted approval of an unpopular idea, because this strategy would cause the try to fail. Instead, the intent is accomplished by creating a super broad constitutional right on the general subject (paragraph 2 and 3), practically outlawing any government role in the process, paragraph 3 and 4), and declaring that any discrimination is outlawed (paragraph 6).
The leading abortion provider in the country has been trying to make taxpayers pay for someone else’s abortion for decades. Although the Hyde Amendment enacted by Congress in 1976 to keep federal Medicaid and other federal social service funding from being used for abortions, and although the US Supreme Court has ruled this constitutional, demands to fund this with taxes continue. Furthermore, the Hyde Amendment only covers federal funds provided to the Medicaid program, not state funds.
It was reported that over 40% of Planned Parenthood revenue comes from government reimbursements and grants. One report, although not current, said that Planned Parenthood received $1.78 billion in taxpayer funds between fiscal years 2019 and 2021 – including $90 million in small business loans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Planned Parenthood claims a small part of its activities are abortions, but this calculation is by the number of services not its consequences. It is the nation’s leading abortion provider, which means it is the nation’s leader in providing surgeries or chemicals that destroy innocent unborn life. Its largest revenue source is the government. That means us since we support the government.
Knowing that Missourians oppose this use of their earnings has not stopped Planned Parenthood from trying. If armed with the language of Amendment #3, expect arguments that it is “discriminatory” to single out abortion providers from taxpayer funding. It would be said that any laws which obstruct the State from paying for abortions unlawfully “delay” and “interfere” with “reproductive freedom.” According to the wording of the Amendment, the standard of review for laws affecting “reproductive freedom” is that such a prohibition is “presumed invalid” (paragraph 3) and would require taxpayer dollars be paid to Planned Parenthood. In fact the lawyer for the abortion proponents conceded in court that the current Missouri statute which forbids funds for abortions could be challenged if Amendment #3 passed.
Vote NO on Amendment #3.
David C. Drury
Attorney at Law
