Missouri Right to Life
Press Release
The following statement is from Steve Rupp, President of Missouri Right to Life:
Yesterday, the Missouri House third read and finally passed HB 126 by a vote of 117 to 39. This bill is the strongest pro-life bill ever attempted in the United States. It has multiple provisions including the Pain-capable Unborn Child Protection Act language, which bans abortion at 20 weeks when unborn children are capable of feeling pain. This language is in effect in 16 other states and should go into effect in Missouri shortly after it is signed by Governor Parson.
All pro-life Missourians are extremely grateful to the Missouri House for their leadership in passing the most pro-life bill ever attempted in our country. Missouri is a pro-life state and we will not stand by as liberal states around the country legalize abortion up to birth and even infanticide. This legislation will save thousands of lives and ensure the safety and legal recourse for women in Missouri who seek abortions.
HB 126 also challenges Roe v. Wade with a ban on abortion at eight weeks gestation and later, when a heartbeat can be detected. While this language reflects the scientific truth of the humanity of the unborn child, pro-abortion forces will us the courts to try to stop this life-saving legislation.
In addition, this bill enacts the “Right to Life of the Unborn Child Act” which “is a trigger ban” on all abortions in Missouri, contingent upon the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the adoption of a federal Human Life Amendment or the enactment of a federal Human Life Bill.
Also included in the bill is a requirement that the second custodial parent be notified when a minor is seeking an abortion. Parents have the right to know about the medical procedures on the children in their custody. Missouri currently has a one-parent consent requirement with a judicial bypass option.
HB 126 bans abortions for race, gender or a Down Syndrome diagnosis and increases the medical malpractice insurance requirements for those performing or inducing abortions to bring it in line with medical standards for other surgical procedures.
And finally, it obligates abortion facilities and family planning agencies to provide Missouri’s printed informed consent information to a woman if they refer the woman to an out of state abortion facility.
The bill will now go to the Senate for consideration. We call upon our pro-life Senate to take up HB 126 as passed in the House, pass it and send it to the Governor’s desk.