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Missouri Senate sets aside HJR 73 after two hours of debate on reproductive health amendment
Summary
The Missouri Senate set aside House Joint Resolution 73, a proposed constitutional amendment relating to reproductive health care, after roughly two hours of floor debate. Senators argued over potential medical consequences and whether the measure would overturn a recent voter-approved action.
Missouri Senate members set aside House Joint Resolution 73, a proposed constitutional amendment relating to reproductive health care, after roughly two hours of floor debate during the final week of the 2025 regular legislative session.
The resolution drew sharp remarks from senators on the floor about its possible effects and its relationship to a recent public vote. Lawmakers paused consideration of HJR 73 and did not adopt the measure during the session segment recorded in the transcript.
Senator Adam Schnelting of St. Charles handled the resolution on the floor and warned of potential medical consequences if the amendment were adopted, saying, "Women would be dying in our hospitals from an inability to receive care from their physicians for ectopic pregnancies, medical emergencies, miscarriages."
Senator Patty Lewis of Kansas City countered that the measure would conflict with recent voter action. "I believe this resolution would undo what voters approved just 6 months ago," she said. In a related remark Lewis added, "Just want the voters to know that we have a piece of legislation before us that will overturn what they just voted on this past November."
After approximately two hours of debate, the resolution "was set aside for further consideration," and no final vote on HJR 73 is recorded in the transcript. Lawmakers noted the legislative session will conclude Friday evening at 6 p.m., and consideration of the resolution may resume before adjournment.
The discussion on HJR 73 in the Senate centered on potential medical impacts, the relationship between a constitutional amendment and recent voter-approved measures, and whether further deliberation was warranted. No direction to amend the resolution or staff assignments related to it are recorded in the transcript excerpt.
Reporting from the state capital, Dean Morgan.
