Missouri House Republicans this week advanced their newest proposal to address Amendment 3, the constitutional amendment guaranteeing a right to abortion in the state. HJR 73, filed by Rep. Ed Lewis (R-Moberly), was presented to the House Children and Families Committee by its new handler, Rep. Brian Seitz (R-Branson). An amended version of the bill was voted out of the committee that same night after two hours of debate.
The bill would allow abortions in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy in instances of medical emergencies, fetal anomalies, rape, or incest. It would also provide a cause of action for a woman negligently harmed during an abortion.
The House will likely take the bill up for debate next week. If passed out of the legislature, HJR 73 would then go to Missouri voters for approval. The MCC testified in support of the bill.
In addition to HJR 73, House committees advanced two other MCC priorities this week:
HB 483, sponsored by Rep. Wendy Hausman (R-St. Peters), would reduce the sales tax on diapers, feminine hygiene products, and prenatal vitamins.
HB 182, sponsored by Rep. Cameron Parker (R-Campbell), would allow an interpreter or translator’s fees to be paid by the state in a civil, criminal, or juvenile proceeding. Current Missouri law only allows such fees to be paid in criminal cases.
Both bills now go to the full House for debate.
To see all of the bills the MCC has a position on, click here for the latest MCC Positions and Progress Report.