Missouri became the latest state to pass legislation restricting women's access to abortions by prohibiting the procedure after eight weeks of pregnancy. The bill leaves no exception for rape or incest but does allow abortions in the case of medical emergencies.
“This language four years ago would be unthinkable. But elections have consequences," state Sen. Lauren Arthur said to St. Louis Public Radio. "And with new Supreme Court justices, there is a renewed attempt to overturn Roe v. Wade. And with that, there is a push in this Legislature to pass what I would characterize as very extreme legislation."
The bill, which passed in a 24-10 vote, is the most recent case of Republican-controlled legislatures nationwide attempting to pass bills in order to start a case that could overturn Roe v Wade in the now conservative-leaning Supreme Court.
“There have been a lot of cases in front of the United States Supreme Court as it relates to issues around abortion and pro-life legislation that came out of the Legislature,” Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt said to St. Louis Public Radio. "If they get something done, we’re ready, willing and able even it takes us all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States.”
Georgia, Mississippi, Kentucky and Ohio have all passed similar legislation outlawing abortion after a heartbeat can be detected, generally after six weeks of pregnancy. While Alabama recently passed and signed into law a total ban on abortions, threatening doctors with up to 99 years in prison for going through with the procedure.
"Thanks to the leaders in the House and Senate, we have the opportunity to be one of the strongest pro-life states in the country," Governor Mike Parson said in a live-streamed news conference Wednesday.
Missouri Stands for the Unborn https://t.co/HWMxd0pkje
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) May 15, 2019
Due to changes in the bill, it must return to the House for a vote, where it is expected to pass and then be signed by the governor.
