Missouri Lawmakers Close Out Session By Passing Eight-Week Abortion Ban
Missouri lawmakers sent legislation banning abortion after eight weeks to Gov. Mike Parson, the culmination of an emotional and contentious week that ended with many of the GOP governor’s priorities accomplished.
And while legislators Friday also finished a bridge-repair bonding plan and proposal to institute term limits for statewide officials, they fell short on overhauling the state low-income housing tax-credit program and another measure undoing a new state legislative redistricting system.
The House voted 110-44 to send Rep. Nick Schroer’s abortion bill to the governor. It would ban abortion after eight weeks if a heartbeat or brain activity is detected. And the measure would bar abortion completely if Roe v. Wade is overturned, except in medical emergencies. Doctors who violate the bill’s provisions could face felony charges and jail time.
If that eight-week ban is struck down, there’s language in the bill that would increase the amount of time a woman could get an abortion. The first tier is 14 weeks. If that’s overturned by a court, the state would have an 18-week ban. And if that doesn’t hold up, Missouri would bar abortions after 20 weeks.
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