The House on Thursday passed its first bill of the session–an MCC-supported bill aimed at protecting infants who survive a failed abortion attempt. HB 1667, sponsored by Rep. Brian Seitz (R-Branson) and Rep. Holly Jones (R-Eureka), would require a health care provider present at the time of an unsuccessful abortion to “exercise the same degree of professional skill, care, and diligence to preserve the life and health of the child as a reasonably diligent and conscientious health care provider would render to any other child born alive at the same gestational age.” The bill would also create a civil cause of action against someone involved in a self-induced or illegal abortion.
HB 1667 passed the House by a vote of 103 to 40. Unlike last year, when four Democrats joined Republicans in voting “yes”, this year’s vote was on a straight party line. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.