Missouri legislators passed legislation Wednesday tripling the time a woman must wait between electing to have an abortion and the procedure being performed. The bill must be signed by Governor Jay Nixon before becoming law.
The state currently requires women to wait 24 hours before an abortion can be performed, but the proposed law will extend that period to 72 hours.
The measure passed in the House 111-39 yesterday, after Republican senators agreed to drop arguments over union fees, voter ID requirements, and other legislation the Democrats opposed.
The 72-hour wait would not apply in medical emergencies, but would apply in all other cases, including rape and incest.
Utah and South Dakota currently have 72-hour abortion waiting periods, but Utah waives the law in cases of rape, incest, or a pregnant girl under age 14. In South Dakota, weekends and holidays do not count toward the 72 hours.
In Missouri, responses to the bill have been largely divided on party lines.
"Life is precious," Republican Senator David Sater said during the bill's debate. "I want to make sure the unborn child has a chance to survive."
"The idea that a woman would not have taken this time already is insulting," Democratic Rep. Genise Montecillo countered.
Some pointed out that a Planned Parenthood in St. Louis is the only clinic that performs elective abortions in Missouri, and a longer waiting period may mean a longer hotel stay. It also prolongs an already difficult decision.
"I think the 72 hours is way too long," St. Louis resident Madi Mauck told Fox News. "Making them wait longer is an emotional and financial burden."
Others believe that the longer wait may lead to more women deciding not to proceed with the abortion.
"The objectors stood and focused on the rights of the mother," Republican Rep. Kevin Elmer said before the House vote. "I stand here for the rights of the unborn."
Governor Nixon released a statement today calling the bill an "extreme proposal," and criticized the senators for not exempting rape and incest.
"I have profound concerns about its impact on women and especially the victims of these heinous crimes," he said.
