NEW: Signature gathering begins for campaign to make some MO abortions legal again

A coalition of pro-choice advocates has launched a campaign to “kick politicians out of the exam room.” 

The group, known as Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, is seeking to overturn the state’s near total abortion ban. 

The effort is expected to include limitations for lawmakers to regulate the procedure after the fetus is viable. 

The team effort is a Missouri-led group including the American Civil Liberties Union, Planned Parenthood, and Abortion Action Missouri. 

It begins after a lengthy court battle with Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft. 

To get on this year’s election ballot, petitioners must collect more than 170-thousand valid signatures by May. 

The campaign is one of two pro-choice pursuits during this election year.