Angela explains why pregnancy and abortion decisions, which are deeply personal and never taken lightly, must be understood through the realities people face—not abstract political talking points. She also addresses the importance of supporting medical professionals who face confusing laws that raise barriers for patients and physicians.

She reminds us to be brave, because many people don’t understand Amendment 3 and advocacy can begin with a conversation. Protecting bodily autonomy requires all of us to participate.

Join the movement: https://abortionactionmissouri.org/

Kai shares her personal experience navigating pregnancy loss and reproductive healthcare, explains why Black and Brown Missourians must be included in conversations about healthcare access, and discusses the importance of building solidarity through empathy, listening, and trust. She also reflects on the power of collective action, shares successes from Missouri’s minimum-wage campaign, and offers practical advice for helping friends, family, and neighbors understand why their vote matters.

This conversation is about lived experience, community power, hope, and the importance of showing up—for ourselves and for one another.

Stand in solidarity https://naacpsgf.org/join/

Deadline to register to vote is October 7.

What you need to know: https://www.vote411.org/missouri

Courtney explains how the proposed amendment could affect abortion access and gender-affirming care for transgender minors, discusses the personal and community impact of these policies, and shares how she became involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy in Southwest Missouri.

The conversation also explores how Missourians can talk with friends, family, and neighbors about Amendment 3 through curiosity, empathy, storytelling, and better understanding gender-affirming care. Courtney also shares resources for learning more and getting involved with PROMO’s canvassing efforts.

https://wpath.org/ (World Professional Association for Transgender Health)

https://promomissouri.org/

Lauren discusses how Catholics for Choice understands reproductive rights through the principles of conscience, social justice, and religious freedom. She shares how her Jesuit education shaped her perspective on reproductive justice and explains the organization’s work supporting Catholics who advocate for access to reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare.

The conversation also explores Catholics for Choice’s experience working on ballot initiatives in states including Ohio, Colorado, and Florida, as well as practical advice for Missourians navigating difficult conversations about Amendment 3 with family, friends, neighbors, and fellow members of their faith communities.

Lauren emphasizes the importance of compassion, shared values, accurate information, and community—and reminds Catholics who support abortion access that they are not alone.

Amendment 3 and Me is produced by the A-Team, a group of independent activist voters in Springfield, Missouri.

Links:

How to talk to your Catholic family about abortion : https://www.catholicsforchoice.org/talking-to-your-catholic-family-about-abortion/

Catholics for Choice: https://www.catholicsforchoice.org/

Register to vote: https://www.vote.org/register-to-vote/missouri/

In this episode, high-risk OB/GYN and maternal-fetal medicine specialist Dr. Elizabeth Ann (Betsy) Wickstrom draws on more than 30 years caring for pregnant patients in Kansas and Missouri. A self-described lifelong Eisenhower Republican, she explains why she became an abortion rights advocate and discusses pregnancy emergencies that may require abortion care.

She addresses misconceptions about Plan B, fetal viability, and how legal uncertainty may influence medical decision-making. She also addresses exceptions for the life of a pregnant patient, provisions involving transgender and gender-diverse minors, and offers advice for talking about Amendment 3 with friends, family, and neighbors.

Whether you've already decided how to vote or are still weighing the issue, this episode offers a physician's perspective on one of Missouri's most consequential ballot measures. Dr. Wickstrom’s views are her own and do not represent any past, present, or future employer.