Missouri Senate Republicans ended the legislative session this month by boldly going where they rarely go. They forced not one, but two consecutive votes – one on an abortion ballot measure and another to overturn paid sick leave requirements.

Missouri House Speaker Jon Patterson, who represents Lee's Summit, says next year's vote on whether to ban abortion again might not be the end of efforts around how the state regulates the procedure.

Missouri lawmakers approved a referendum this month that could overturn an abortion rights amendment passed by voters in the state last year. The measure — known as HJR 73 — seeks to effectively repeal an amendment voters passed it late last year that enshrined abortion rights in the state constitution.

The head of Planned Parenthood Great Plains said abortion services will continue in mid-Missouri, even after lawmakers passed House Joint Resolution 73 last week, which puts limitations on abortion before voters next year.