Missouri House Gives Final Approval to Bill That Would Further Regulate Abortion Clinics

Main Category: Abortion
Article Date: 15 Mar 2005 - 13:00 PDT

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The Missouri House on Thursday voted 121-31 to give final approval to a bill... (HB 100) that would increase regulations on abortion clinics in the state and make it a felony to accompany a minor across state lines to undergo an abortion without parental consent, the Kansas City Star reports (Lubbes, Kansas City Star, 3/11). Under the measure, abortion providers at clinics would have to obtain hospital privileges within 30 miles of their facilities or face charges punishable by up to one year in jail. In addition, clinics that perform more than five first-trimester abortions per month or any second- or third-trimester abortions would be classified as ambulatory surgical centers, requiring them to be inspected by the state Department of Health and Senior Services (Kaiser Daily Reproductive Health Report, 3/10). The measure also would authorize lawsuits against individuals who help minors cross state lines to seek abortions without parental consent, according to the AP/Kansas City Star (AP/Kansas City Star, 3/10). State Rep. Jane Cunningham (R), the bill's sponsor, said that the legislation will "make women safer," according to the Star (Kansas City Star, 3/11). Opponents of the measure said it is unconstitutional because Missouri does not have the right to regulate its citizens' behavior in other states, according to the AP/Star. The bill now goes to the state Senate (AP/Kansas City Star, 3/10).

"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork.org kaisernetwork.org. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Reproductive Health Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at www.kaisernetwork.org/dailyreports/repro The Kaiser Daily Reproductive Health Report is published for kaisernetwork.org, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.

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