Rachel Sweet a 33-year-old activist‚ is spearheading a campaign to secure abortion rights in Missouri. The states upcoming ballot measure Amendment 3 seeks to add these rights to the state constitution overturning one of the nations strictest bans
Sweet‚ whos been living in Kansas City for two decades‚ has a track record of success in similar campaigns. She led efforts to defeat anti-abortion initiatives in Kansas and Kentucky (about two years ago) and advised on Ohios campaign (roughly a year back). Her strategy focuses on avoiding partisan rhetoric and portraying abortion bans as government overreach
When womens rights are under attack‚ what do we do? Stand up‚ fight back!
The current Missouri law‚ which took effect when Roe v. Wade was overturned (about 2 years and 4 months ago) bans abortion with no exceptions for rape or incest. Doctors who perform abortions outside medical emergencies face up to 15 years in prison
Sweets campaign Missourians for Constitutional Freedom has raised over $21.8 million including substantial contributions from national organizations. Opposition groups‚ mainly local and religious have raised about $1.7 million
A recent survey (conducted about a month ago) found 58% support for the amendment among likely Missouri voters‚ with 30% opposed. However anti-abortion activists argue the amendments language is too broad
• Mary Elizabeth Coleman‚ a Republican State Senator opposes the measure
• Joyce Bischof‚ an 87-year-old Catholic‚ is against the amendment due to her faith
• Hunter Hawthorne‚ a 28-year-old independent‚ supports the right to choose
As the vote approaches (in about two weeks) Sweet remains motivated by her belief in womens equality. “I really want to be a mom‚ and I dont know that I feel safe doing that in Missouri. Its very personal to me‚“ she said