Stricter abortion regulations pass in Missouri House

Women no longer would be able to get an abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy unless a second doctor approves the procedure, according to a bill passed by the Missouri House Thursday [March 17]. Additionally, doctors may be fined if they perform the late-term procedure without a second opinion. Majority Floor Leader and bill sponsor Tim Jones, R-St. Louis County, said a fetus is viable at 20 weeks of pregnancy. "And it is a child, it's not a fetus; it's not a section of cells, it's a life," he said. "If we're going to start talking about the health and the welfare of the mother and all that, let's talk about the health and the welfare of the other life." Rep. John McCaherty, R-High Ridge, said it is important to remember the restrictions of the bill apply only to women who are more than 20 weeks pregnant. "At five months, my goodness, if you can't make a decision in five months, then there's more of a problem there than just the will to have an abortion," McCaherty said. Some opponents of the bill argued it may be difficult for women of rural areas to access a second doctor, especially in the event of a medical emergency. Others, like Tishuara Jones, D-St. Louis, spoke in opposition of any government control over a woman's decision. "Get your hands out of my belly," she said. "Get them out, because this bill criminalizes the doctor-patient relationship, and it tells women what to do with their bodies and their children." Because the bill and its substitute passed with majority votes, the measure now will go to Senate committees for debate.