The Missouri House passed legislation on Monday to lift a ban on pregnant women being able to get divorced, with the bill now moving to the Senate. This move is aimed at preventing women from being stuck in violent marriages for the duration of a pregnancy due to an archaic law. The current law in Missouri prohibits finalizing a divorce until the woman is no longer pregnant, with the intention of guaranteeing child support for the mother and child. However, this has left many women feeling unsafe and trapped in abusive situations. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Cecelie Williams, who is a survivor of domestic abuse, aims to provide a lifeline for women in these situations.
House Minority Leader Ashley Aune emphasized that the legislation is not just for women, but for every citizen to have access to the courts regardless of medical conditions. Arizona, Arkansas, and Texas have similar laws to Missouri’s current ban on pregnant women obtaining divorces. The bill, known as House Bill 243, has received bipartisan support and is expected to be passed in the Senate. This move is seen as a step towards ending an outdated and harmful practice that has long affected pregnant women in Missouri.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
