Missouri House Republicans are in search of a new solution for an abortion ban as the legislative session nears its end. The newest proposed constitutional amendment, presented by Rep. Ed Lewis, received its first committee hearing on Wednesday night. Rep. Brian Seitz, who presented the bill, emphasized that the legislation aims to create a culture of life in Missouri that all citizens can support. The bill bars abortion except in cases of medical emergencies, rape, or incest, with specific restrictions on when abortions for rape or incest can be performed. Seitz’s bill received support from Missouri Right to Life, the state’s largest anti-abortion group.
The proposed amendment is a response to Missouri becoming the first state to overturn an abortion ban, prompting a wave of legislation to restrict or repeal the reproductive rights amendment known as Amendment 3. Despite the legalization of abortion up until the point of fetal viability through a citizen-led ballot initiative in November, only a few procedural abortions have been performed in the state due to ongoing court cases around Amendment 3.
House Republicans are confident that an abortion ban would succeed on a statewide ballot, despite criticism that their efforts are a waste of time and money. The amended version of the legislation passed out of committee with an 11 to 3 vote. The bill now heads to the full House for further consideration as House Joint Resolution 73. The ongoing debate over abortion rights in Missouri continues to be a contentious issue among lawmakers and advocates on both sides of the issue.
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