Despite his election on a pro-choice platform, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon permitted two anti-abortion bills to become law this week.

 

Conservative lawmakers in the state legislature sent Nixon two identical abortion-restriction laws, one from the House and another from the Senate, apparently so more than one legislator could take credit.

 

Pro-choice supporters point out that Missouri has become part of a growing movement this year to restrict access to the legal medical procedure.

 

During the first half of 2011, 19 states enacted 162 new provisions related to reproductive health and rights. Nearly 50% of the new laws seek to restrict access to abortion services—considerably more than in 2010 when 26% of new laws limited abortion.

 

The Missouri bills had been described as banning abortions after 20 weeks gestation. Pro-choice advocates say the measures eliminate certain health exceptions protecting women facing serious pregnancy-related complications. The legislation also changes the factors doctors must weigh before performing a post-viability abortion and establishes criminal penalties for those who don’t follow the new regulations.

 

Opponents urged Nixon to veto the legislation. Instead, he allowed the bills to become law by taking no action.

 

“This legislation was approved by an overwhelming, bi-partisan majority in both houses,” Nixon said in explaining his decision. “Although people have differing views on this issue, it’s important that we work together to provide accurate health information, promote personal responsibility, protect women’s health, and improve foster care, adoption and child protection services.”

 

 

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

In Missouri, Legislators Fail to Protect Women's Basic Rights, Undermining Justice for All (by Pamela Merritt, RH Reality Check)

States Enact Record Number of Abortion Restrictions in First Half of 2011 (by Rachel Gold and Elizabeth Nash, Guttmacher Institute)

2011 Already Sets Record of Anti-Abortion Laws (by Bryan Gerhart, Color Lines)