Abortion bill passes Senate

Jefferson City -- Professional counseling, printed materials that show the development of the child, and opportunities to see an ultrasound or hear the baby's heartbeat are provisions in a bill that is one step closer to strengthening abortion requirements in Missouri. Senate Bill 793, sponsored by Sen. Rob Mayer (R-Dexter), received final passage by the Senate today.

In addition to the options presented to the mother, the act would require the woman to be told of the father's liability for child support, and the Alternatives to Abortion program. The bill also encapsulates legislation that bans coverage for abortion in any health care exchanges, such as those located in the federal health care legislation. If enacted, all of these options must be provided within 24 hours of the procedure.

"I appreciate that my fellow Senators recognized the importance of this legislation that I have been working to get through the Legislature for well over three years," Mayer said of the Senate's passage of SB 793.

The bill now moves to the House for similar consideration.