This past session, state lawmakers took decisive action to ensure no Missouri taxpayer money will go to fund abortions under the new federal health care mandate.
In response to this action by the federal government, we passed Senate Bill 793, a bill that not only includes provisions designed to protect new life and expectant mothers, but also clearly states that no health insurance exchanges – such as those provided for in the federal health care bill – may offer coverage for elective abortions.
Under existing Missouri law, health insurance policies are barred from providing coverage for elective abortions – except through the purchase of optional riders. Senate Bill 793 takes it a step further by specifying that no federal health insurance exchange operating within our state may offer coverage for elective abortions.
We were forced to act quickly to protect Missourians from this intrusive mandate handed down from Washington, D.C., which once again, has shown itself to be out of touch with the values of mainstream America. For more than 20 years, Missouri law has clearly stated that the General Assembly finds that life begins at conception and that unborn children are entitled to life, health and well-being. This new Missouri law continues that policy and will help shield unborn children from the disastrous consequences of the new federal health care law.
Another victory for life contained in the bill we passed is a provision requiring pregnant women who are considering an abortion to be presented with additional information at least 24 hours before the procedure. It is our hope that as soon as an expectant mother learns more about the development of her baby and additional options, she will ultimately choose life.
The bill requires the woman’s doctor to give her an opportunity to view an active ultrasound of her baby and to hear its heartbeat.
If an abortion is being performed more than a certain number of weeks into the pregnancy, the woman would be provided with information about the pain caused to the unborn child and be given the opportunity to have anesthesia administered to the baby during the abortion.
In addition to the informed consent requirements, the woman’s doctor must discuss with her the medical assistance and counseling resources available, advise her of the father’s liability for child support and provide information about the Alternatives to Abortion Program.
The governor has yet to sign this important protection for unborn babies. Just as lawmakers did early in the year, I urge the governor to take action and sign SB 793.
