KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Outside the Planned Parenthood Patty Brous Health Center in Kansas City, advocates spoke about the roller coaster of emotions many were feeling about the election results, but said they wanted celebrate a “historic moment for Missouri.” »

“We overturned the total ban on abortion for the first time in this country with everyone’s help and it’s pretty incredible,” said Dr. Iman Alsaden, chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood Great Plains. “We had this incredible victory at Missouri State.”

Several speakers shared personal stories about how the state’s total ban on abortion has affected them.

“My story begins in my doctor’s office,” said Saba Deutschmann, of Abortion Action MO. “We decided to try a new medication to treat my severe endometriosis. I have lived with endometriosis since I was 11 years old. I’ve had surgeries, tried every form of birth control, and endured years of discomfort. When I was 21, my doctor gave me a new medication and a month later I found out I was pregnant. I had just moved to Kansas City to start law school and I was absolutely terrified.

Deutschmann says he called every clinic he could to get an appointment, with clinics in Kansas and Illinois being crowded.

“When I finally got to Planned Parenthood in Overland Park, I remember my hand shaking as I handed my debit card to the person behind the counter, wondering how I was going to pay my rent that month and my books for law school,” Deutschmann said. “Just all the fears we have on a daily basis. The compassionate care I received that day changed my life. Without these brave health care providers, I would have been forced to carry a pregnancy I did not want.

Deutschmann says she will graduate from law school in December.

“Shortly after Dobbs’ opinion was officially issued, I went to see my gynecologist for routine care,” said Ashton Botts, of Abortion Action MO. “I asked if I needed life-saving care due to pregnancy, will you be able to save my life? She couldn’t say yes to me. At that moment, I realized that the attack on our health care was imminent, that it was radical, and that I had to do something to fight back.

Even though Amendment 3 passed, that does not mean that access to abortion has been explicitly restored. Abortion rights advocates must sue Missouri to overturn ban; a lawsuit was filed in Jackson County.

They say that if they obtain the injunction, abortion access could potentially restart in the state as early as early December. Advocates also acknowledge that the road ahead could be long.

“In the months to come, we will have lawsuits, legislative battles and countless opportunities for action,” said Cara Hile, of Abortion Action MO. “The only way we will be successful in these efforts is if the people who have shown up over the past year continue to show up and bring their neighbors with them.” »

Abortion rights amendments have also been passed in Arizona, Colorado, Maryland and Montana.

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