Mo. Senate passes late-term abortion bill

JEFFERSON CITY, MO (MISSOURI DIGITAL NEWS) - Following a similar House vote just weeks ago, Missouri Senators passed a bill banning abortions after 20 weeks unless the fetus is determined non-viable by two physicians.

The bill would prevent women from getting a late-term abortion if a fetus is determined viable.

If a physician says the fetus is not viable, the doctor must get a second opinion of another physician before performing the abortion.

Dexter Republican Senator and bill sponsor Rob Mayer has been working for years on late-term abortion legislation.

"We were very pleased it was third read and passed out of the Senate. It makes sure, in most cases, viable children are saved from abortion," Mayer said.

Jackson County Democratic Senator Jolie Justus said lawmakers should not be involved in a woman's decision whether to carry to term a fetus that has a fatal abnormality or has already died.

"What they are doing is basically interfering with the practice of medicine by passing this bill, because this is a decision doctors should be making with their families, and we should not be interfering with that here in the legislature," Justus said.

Despite Justus's opinion, the bill passed 27 to 5 with no floor debate.

Meghann Mollerus, Missouri Digital News

Posted in: abortion,Jolie Justus,Missouri Senate,Rob Mayer