In Missouri

If my state won’t ban all abortions, what are the limits to abortion?

Missouri’s “trigger law” bans almost all abortions. Mo. Rev. Stat. §188.017. Therefore, Missouri’s other, lesser limitations and regulations are no longer as necessary.

Are there any exceptions to those limitations placed on abortion?

Yes: In a medical emergency, there is an exception to preserve the life of the mother or prevent substantial and irreparable physical impairment. Mo. Rev. Stat. §188.017.

What are the penalties to abortion providers for committing an illegal abortion (one of the forms of abortion that my state has limited under the law)?

Any physician who violates the trigger law is guilty of a class B felony and their license will be subject to suspension or revocation. Mo. Rev. Stat. §188.017.

When abortion laws are violated, who can file a lawsuit to enforce their rights and the law?

No one.

Does my state impose a special medical standard of care on abortion providers?

No.

Does my state give parents the right to consent for their child to get an abortion?

Yes: Written consent is required from at least one parent or guardian who has also notified any other custodial parent or guardian, with exceptions; however, this state has a method where a minor can obtain permission from the courts to receive an abortion without parental notice or consent. The trigger law has rendered provision unnecessary. Mo. Rev. Stat. §188.028.

Does my state have conscience protections for medical professionals who do not want to participate in abortions?

Yes: Missouri protects healthcare workers from discrimination. Mo. Rev. Stat. §188.105.

Are there legal protections for babies born alive following a botched abortion in my state?

No.

Does an abortion have to be provided by a licensed physician in my state?

Yes, only physicians can perform abortions. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 188.020.

Does my state’s law require that a woman give informed consent and/or receive counseling prior to allowing an abortion to be performed?

Yes: Consent is required (Mo. Rev. Stat. §188.027) but can be withdrawn at any time without risk or loss to future care, treatments, or benefits (Mo. Rev. Stat. §188.027(8)).

The acting physician is required to provide the mother with information regarding the characteristics of the unborn child, risks involved with abortion, opportunities to hear the heartbeat (if audible), and describe the effects of abortion on the unborn child, alternatives to abortion, and more. Mo. Rev. Stat. §188.027(2)-(7).

The trigger law has rendered these provisions unnecessary.

Does my state place any waiting requirement on abortion so that a mother has more time to decide?

Yes: A 72-hour waiting period is required for either in-clinic or chemical abortion; however, the trigger law has rendered this provision unnecessary. Mo. Rev. Stat. §188.039.