Federal Judge Blocks Portions of the Missouri Stands for the Unborn Act

On Tuesday, a federal judge blocked certain provisions of HB 126, also known as the Missouri Stands for the Unborn Act, from going into effect. U.S. District Judge Howard Sachs placed a temporary restraining order on the bill's eight-week abortion ban. Judge Sachs also blocked the 14, 18, and 20-week bans that were included in HB 126.

However, Judge Sachs did not block a provision that bans abortions based solely on race, sex, and a diagnosis of Down Syndrome, which had also been challenged by Planned Parenthood. In his opinion, Judge Sachs stated that "Caution suggests I withhold a preliminary injunction against the anti-discrimination section."

Though the weekly restrictions were put on hold, the remaining portions of HB 126 went into effect on Wednesday. These provisions include:

An increase in tax credits for donations to pregnancy resource centers
A requirement that those who refer Missouri women for out-of-state abortions provide the woman with Missouri's informed consent materials
An increase in the amount of medical malpractice coverage required for physicians who provide abortions
The aforementioned ban on abortions obtained solely because of race, sex, or a diagnosis of Down Syndrome
A provision banning abortion in Missouri in the event the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade

In addition, a requirement for both parents to be notified when a minor child is seeking an abortion went into effect immediately at the bill's signing because of an emergency clause.

To read the MCC's response to the court ruling, please visit our website.

August 30, 2019 - 2:08pm

Categories: