Christians cannot sit out Missouri’s Amendment 3 vote

Missouri voters face a matter of life and death as voting gets underway ahead of the November 3 election. Amendment 3 gives us an opportunity to restore protections for unborn babies, protect children from irreversible drugs and surgeries, and return basic health and safety standards to reproductive healthcare.

Guest Columnist | Carol Lewis

This is not simply another political question. It is a moral question, and Missouri’s Christian community cannot afford to remain silent.

The official ballot language makes the choice clear. A “yes” vote would repeal the reproductive-rights amendment adopted in 2024, allow lawmakers to regulate abortion providers and facilities, require informed and voluntary consent, restore parental or judicial consent for minors seeking abortions, limit taxpayer funding of abortion and prohibit gender-transition surgeries, cross-sex hormones and puberty-blocking drugs for minors, with exceptions for specified medical conditions.

Amendment 3 would continue to protect medical care for miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies and other medical emergencies. It also would permit abortion in cases of rape or incest during the first 12 weeks, as well as in cases of fetal anomaly.

These are reasonable protections that reflect the values of many Missourians.

The campaign is close. A recent SLU/YouGov poll found 43 percent of Missouri voters support Amendment 3, 44 percent oppose it, and 13 percent are undecided. That means the outcome may be determined by the people who are willing to speak up, show up and persuade their neighbors during the final weeks.

We should not underestimate what God can do through thousands of ordinary people working together.

The opposition understands what is at stake and is spending accordingly. The campaign opposing Amendment 3 had raised approximately $13 million by late September, more than seven times the $1.8 million raised by Her Health, Her Future. The opposition’s largest contributors include the Washington-based Fairness Project, which has given $5.3 million, philanthropist Lynn Schusterman, who contributed $3 million, and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who gave $1.25 million.

Supporters of Amendment 3 may not be able to match those millions dollar for dollar, but we can match them with committed volunteers, faithful churches, personal conversations and prayer.

Across eastern Jackson County, that work continues.

Digital billboards are reaching drivers on U.S. 50 near Third Street in Lee’s Summit and along Interstate 70 near Interstate 470. More than 50 large signs are being placed in Blue Springs, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raymore and Grandview. Thousands of yard signs and hundreds of palm cards are being distributed. Volunteers are knocking on doors and talking directly with voters.

More than 200 people attended a recent Amendment 3 rally hosted by Pastors Chris Williams of Fellowship Church, Phil Hopper of Abundant Life, Dillon Neely of Kings Church and Doug Richey of Pisgah Baptist Church. They left motivated to carry the message into their churches and communities.

A growing number of churches are displaying large Amendment 3 signs, including Fellowship Church, Abundant Life campuses, Kings Church, Life Christian Center, Cornerstone Church, St. John LaLande Parish, First Baptist Church of Grain Valley, Church on the Rock, Blue Springs First Baptist and St. Margaret’s Parish. Plus, hundreds of churches across the state.

If your church is not participating, respectfully talk with your pastor. Ask whether the church can display a sign, distribute information, or remind members of the moral importance of voting.

Churches do not have to endorse candidates to speak clearly about protecting vulnerable human life. Pastors should not allow fear or confusion about politics to keep them silent on an issue involving unborn children, parental rights and irreversible medical procedures performed on minors.

We also hope to place radio advertisements featuring the testimony of a whistleblower who worked at a St. Louis transgender clinic. She says she could no longer remain silent after witnessing the physical and emotional consequences experienced by young patients. Her testimony could reach voters across party lines who have never fully considered what puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and surgeries can mean for children.

There is something every supporter can do. Put a sign in your yard. Share accurate information on social media. Give palm cards to friends and relatives. Volunteer to knock on doors. Call people you know and explain why their votes matter. Donate if you are able. Most importantly, pray.

Second Chronicles 7:14 reminds us: “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land.”

Prayer, however, should lead us to action.

This may be Missouri’s last opportunity for many years to restore meaningful protections for unborn babies and shield children from irreversible medical interventions. We cannot assume someone else will carry the burden.

The margin is close. The opposition is well funded. The need is urgent.

Now is the time to pray, speak, give, volunteer and vote yes on Amendment 3.

–Carol Lewis | Special to Metro Voice