Missouri lawmakers approved adding a voter referendum Wednesday that, if passed, would repeal protections for abortion rights and restore a ban.

Republicans in the Missouri Senate dropped a bomb Wednesday during the final days of the legislative session, crushing Democratic attempts to forge end-of-session compromises on abortion and paid sick leave.

Democrats in the Missouri Senate vowed the procedural moves, which are rarely used, would lead to a "painful" response in the future.

Both chambers of the Missouri legislature are adjourned a full day early for the first time in more than 70 years. In total, 67 bills were sent to the governor, but it was two that led to protesters gathering on the south steps.

Pro-choice and paid sick leave advocates rallied at the Missouri Capitol Thursday to protest the state legislature’s passage of two measures. First, a ballot measure that would make most abortions in Missouri illegal again,

With just days remaining in the 2025 legislative session, unfinished Republican priorities include addressing Amendment 3 and Proposition A.