A Fundamental Shift After June 2022
Following the June 2022 trigger law that halted nearly all abortions inside Missouri, the number of legally performed procedures within the state dropped to almost zero. However, data indicates that Missouri residents began seeking abortions in other states in greater numbers, continuing an existing trend. Use the buttons below to **toggle the data series** on the chart.
Data compiled from Missouri DHSS reports and analysis from research organizations studying out-of-state travel for abortions.
Primary Destination States
Neighboring states, particularly Illinois and Kansas, have seen a significant increase in patients from Missouri since mid-2022. Chart shows annual estimates post 2022.
The Rise of Medication Abortion
Nationally, the majority of abortions are now conducted via medication, often prescribed through telemedicine and delivered by mail. This method is not reliant on physical clinics within a state.
Analyzing the Proposed 2026 Amendment 3 (HJR 73)
The proposed amendment for the 2026 ballot would add specific language to the Missouri Constitution. While it lists exceptions where abortions would be allowed, the existing data trends suggest its overall impact on the total number of abortions obtained by Missouri residents may be limited.
Proposed Constitutional Changes
HJR 73 seeks to amend the constitution to regulate abortion and gender transition procedures under the state's duty to protect public health and the medical profession.
Exceptions for Allowed Abortions
- Medical emergencies - Not well defined
- Claimed cases of rape or incest - Lack of reporting or prevention of false reports.
- Fatal fetal anomalies - No safeguards against misdiagnoses or reporting mechanisms
New Regulatory Requirements
- Allows regulation - Provides a cleaner place to kill the unborn
- Physicians must provide "medically accurate information" - But who determines?
- Ensures women's safety during procedures - but not the unborn children
Data-Driven Conclusion
The established trends of out-of-state travel and the use of mail-order medication are responses to restricted access within Missouri. Because these methods operate outside the state's direct regulatory control, the proposed amendment, even if passed, would likely not "save 95% of babies" as some proponents claim. Instead, it would largely formalize the existing situation where abortions for Missouri residents continue to occur, just beyond state lines and outside of traditional clinical settings.