Yes to Amendment 3

Weekly Update – October 22nd, 2026 

Rarely do I make statements about public policy or political matters. My hope is that as Christians, Christ might be preeminent in our times together as a church and from there, the implications of Christ’s preeminence would be applied in our personal lives as we interact with family, friends, co-workers, and even in the voting booth. But when the passing of a measure directly relates to the clear biblical principles of life, justice, human value and a care for the weak, there is an obligation that not only I have, but we as a church have, to discuss how we can think rightly about what is before us, and act accordingly.

The measure that is set before us here in Missouri is Amendment 3. If Amendment 3 is affirmed on Tuesday, November 2nd, it would make the following changes to the state constitution:

• Repeal Amendment 3 which was passed in November 2024 allowing for abortion to protect “the physical and/or mental health of a ‘pregnant person'” until fetal viability (23-24 weeks gestation).
• Prohibit abortions except in cases of “medical emergency, fetal anomaly, rape, or incest,” and permit abortions in cases of rape or incest no later than 12 weeks of gestation
• Prohibit gender transition surgeries for minors, as well as the prescription or administration of cross-sex hormones or puberty-blocking drugs to minors, with an exception for treatments “unrelated to the purpose of a gender transition;” and make other changes.

You can read the full amendment HERE.

Though I don’t believe this amendment goes far enough in limiting abortion, this first measure is a step in the right direction. As difficult of a situation as it is for a women to conceive a child in the case of rape or incest, as Christians, we still believe that every life, from conception, is created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26). Furthermore, a child having some sort of “fetal anomaly” or deformity does not mean we abort the child either. For God creates each one of us with care (Ps. 139:13-16) and even in the midst of disability, will purposefully use us for his glory (John 9:1-3). Nevertheless, saving some children is better than saving none from abortion.

Additionally, (in distinction from what opponents might say) this law still allows for treatment in the cases of placental abruption, bleeding from placenta previa, preeclampsia or eclampsia, and cardiac or renal conditions. I’m not going to argue about the commonality or the validity of these conditions, I’m simply saying that these could be conditions that doctors might say necessitate an abortion.  Furthermore, women who miscarry or have an ectopic pregnancy will still have treatment and care available to them as well.

The second measure in amendment 3 regarding gender affirming care for minors is a necessary step to not only affirm biblical truth, but to preserve the lives and dignity of children. According to our statement on Biblical sexuality, we at FBC believe that the differences between male and female reproductive structures are integral to God’s design for self-conception as male and female. In other words, just as God created every single person in his image (Gen. 1:26), so too, he created every single person either male or female to reflect himself (Gen. 1:27). Therefore, one’s individual expression of gender should align with their biological sex and one should guard against gender confusion so as not to misrepresent how it is that God created them. Practically, this means that we shouldn’t seek to change the way that God has designed us, and we certainty shouldn’t encourage children to do so either.

As destructive as it is, what is on the ballot this coming Tuesday shown through Amendment 3 is much bigger than “reproductive rights.”  The slippery slope that the right to an abortion argument leads to is a denial of life based upon a “right to privacy” and “bodily freedom.”  Instead, we need to protect the weak and defenseless (Ex. 23:6-7; Amos 2:6-7) and stand against this notion of individualistic self-autonomy that reigns supreme in the world around us. I strongly encourage you to vote “YES” on amendment 3, not for political reasons, the promotion of a culture of life and bodily dignity that lines up with a Biblical worldview. 

Serving Him with You,

Pastor Michael Nelson