‘Heartbeat’ abortion ban to be debated in Missouri Senate

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri senators are set to take up one of the nation’s most restrictive proposed abortion bans.

The Republican-led Senate is expected to consider legislation to ban most abortions after eight weeks pregnancy before lawmakers’ Friday deadline to pass bills.

The only exception would be in cases of medical emergencies, not rape or incest.

If approved, Missouri would join four other states that have passed bans on abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected. That can occur about six weeks into a pregnancy.

The Missouri bill comes as abortion opponents across the U.S. push for new restrictions in hopes that the more conservative U.S. Supreme Court will overturn its landmark Roe v. Wade ruling legalizing abortion.

The Missouri measure also includes a near-total ban on abortion, but that would only kick in if Roe v. Wade is overturned.

majority.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.