‘It’s Good Politics’: Anti-Abortion Advocates Are Trying to Ride Anti-Trans Sentiment Next November

In 2026, Missouri voters will decide on an amendment to ban both abortion and gender-affirming care for trans minors. Supporters of the measure want other states to follow suit.

Midwest March for Life
David A. Lieb/AP

Missouri voted to codify abortion rights into the state’s constitution in 2024, but anti-abortion advocates are trying a new strategy to undo it: tying another anti-abortion ballot measure to one that also bans gender-affirming care for minors.

The abortion rights amendment passed with 51.6% of the vote in 2024 — a number so close that anti-abortion leaders believe they can change the outcome this time around, particularly with the anti-trans language attached. (Missouri already bans gender-affirming care for trans youth under state law.)

“It’s good politics,” said Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley.