Support for the abortion issue in Missouri is divided among Christians

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – In less than a week, Missourians will decide whether or not to overturn the state's abortion ban, and for some, religion could play a role in the way they vote.

According to the Pew Research Center, 77% of Missourians are Christian. But within this belief there are many different opinions and views. These differences will become clear as Missouri votes on abortion.

Jamie Moore of the Missouri Catholic Conference tells me that the Catholic Church has a strong stance on abortion and therefore the Third Amendment.

“Our mission focuses on the dignity of all human life and seeks to advance policy,” Moore said. “And so amendment three, in our opinion, does nothing to move this forward.”

Opinions on abortion and Amendment 3 vary from denomination to denomination.

Retired Kansas City Reverend Kirk Perucca tells me that Presbyterians' stance on abortion differs from that of their Catholic counterparts.

“We are not pro-abortion,” Perucca said. “We are people who honestly believe that you should have the right to make that decision.”

Amendment 3 was brought to the vote through an initiative petition that required thousands of signatures from people across Missouri. Over time, it faced several legal challenges, reaching all the way to the state Supreme Court before the matter was resolved.

A “yes” vote on Amendment 3 would repeal Missouri’s abortion ban and enshrine access to abortion and other forms of birth control in the state constitution. Amendment 3 allows restrictions on abortion, but with exceptions to protect the health and life of the pregnant woman.

Religious organizations operating as nonprofits can legally support or oppose ballot measures in Missouri, but not candidates.

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