Over the past few months, I have knocked on thousands of doors to engage with voters on the issues that matter to them. I have heard time and time again how important it is for Missouri to restore abortion access and reproductive freedom.

I’ve spoken to grandmothers who are tired of their granddaughters fighting again for the same rights they won over 50 years ago, and to young families who simply want to have the freedom to create their own reproductive health care. decisions in their doctor’s office.

I enjoyed reading The Star’s recent support for Amendment 3. I strongly encourage Missourians to vote yes on 3, but we can’t stop there. Merely approving Amendment 3 will not be enough to truly restore and protect reproductive rights in our state as long as the legislature’s vast Republican majority remains opposed to these rights.

As a reminder, Republicans worked for decades to restrict access to abortion before introducing the induction ban, which introduced a total ban on abortion, with no exceptions for rape or incest, immediately after the announcement of the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court. Today, Republican politicians are already discussing plans to overturn Amendment 3 once it passes.

As the nonprofit Missouri Independent reported:

“State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, a Republican from Arnold, is among the anti-abortion activists who sued to keep Amendment 3 off the ballot. …Coleman said if the amendment passes, it wouldn’t be the last time Missourians vote on abortion, adding that an effort similar to the one that overturned Clean Missouri is likely.

That’s why, to ensure the will of voters is respected and protected, we must also elect Democrats to the Missouri General Assembly to guard against Republican attacks on reproductive rights.

I am proud to run for the Missouri Senate to restore reproductive rights, uphold the outcome of Amendment 3, and bring common sense and moderation back to Jefferson City.

I am honored to join an impressive team of candidates across the state who support reproductive rights. If Senate Democrats can protect our current seats and flip just two of the state’s many swing districts, we will shatter the Republican supermajority in the upper chamber. Breaking the vast majority would allow incredibly difficult for Republicans to undermine Amendment 3.

So remember that on Election Day, ending Missouri’s abortion ban is a two-step process: Step 1: Vote yes on Amendment 3. Step 2: Elect candidates who support your vote and will honor it in Jefferson City.

You have my word that I have always protected and always will protect your rights and your vote.

Missouri State Representative Maggie Nurrenbern is a mother of three and former teacher running for State Senate District 17 in Clay County, including Kansas City, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo and Pleasant Valley .