Missouri passes bill that outlaws most abortions at eight weeks
Radio NZ News 18 May 2019
Family First Comment: ‘Life’ just keeps on winning 🎈
Missouri’s state legislature has passed a controversial bill that would outlaw nearly all abortions at eight weeks of pregnancy.
The bill was approved by the Republican-led Senate and the House of Representatives.
Republican Governor Mike Parson is now expected to sign the bill so it can become law.
If approved, abortions past eight weeks would be banned in most cases, including rape or incest.
Missouri state Senator Jill Schupp, a Democrat, condemned the bill for failing to “understanding that women’s lives all hold different stories”.
However, Republican state Senators Dave Schatz and Caleb Rowden published a joint statement praising the “life-affirming” legislation.
The votes come just days after Alabama’s governor signed a near-total ban on abortion in the state, promoting protests and concern from pro-choice supporters.
Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky and Ohio are among the other states to pass new abortion restrictions.
Most anti-abortion bills have faced legal challenges. However, this is what pro-life supporters hope will happen, as they want to reach the Supreme Court in order to challenge its landmark decision to legalise abortion in 1973.
Earlier this year the Supreme Court blocked implementation of new abortion restrictions in Louisiana. However, the ruling was made by a narrow margin and the case is due to be reviewed later this year.
READ MORE: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/389519/missouri-passes-bill-that-outlaws-most-abortions-at-eight-weeks
