Abortion Access in Missouri

1. What are the state-level laws governing abortion access in Missouri?


Under Missouri state law, it is illegal for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion without a valid physician’s license. Abortions are only permitted in the first trimester of pregnancy and must be performed in a hospital or medical facility approved by the state. Minors must have parental consent prior to the procedure and the doctor must provide counseling services to those seeking an abortion. A 24-hour waiting period is also required. In addition, insurance providers are prohibited from covering the costs of abortion services, as well as any medication used for the purpose of inducing an abortion.

2. When did the state of Missouri legalize abortion?


The state of Missouri legalized abortion in August of 2019.

3. How does the state of Missouri regulate abortion procedures?


In Missouri, abortion is regulated by two laws: the Missouri Abortion Statute (MRS 188.205) and the Missouri Fetal Heartbeat Protection Act (MRS 188.210). The Missouri Abortion Statute requires that abortion providers obtain informed consent from a patient prior to performing an abortion procedure, and that the provider provide certain information about the procedure, the risks and alternatives to the procedure, and the fetus’s gestational age. The Missouri Fetal Heartbeat Protection Act requires abortion providers to conduct an ultrasound at least 72 hours before performing an abortion procedure to determine if a fetal heartbeat is present, and to provide this information to the patient. If a fetal heartbeat is present, the provider must inform the patient of this fact.

4. What are the legal requirements for obtaining an abortion in Missouri?


In Missouri, a person must receive state-mandated counseling and wait 72 hours before they can receive an abortion. Additionally, they must be a resident of Missouri and have proof of residency. Parental consent is required for people under 18 years old. The procedure can only be performed by a licensed physician in a licensed facility.

5. Does the state of Missouri offer comprehensive reproductive health services?


Yes, the state of Missouri offers comprehensive reproductive health services. These services include access to contraception, education about family planning and sexual health, prenatal and postpartum care, and a variety of other reproductive health services.

6. Does Missouri have any restrictions on late-term abortions?


Yes, Missouri has restrictions on late-term abortions. According to the Guttmacher Institute, abortion after 20 weeks is illegal except in cases of life endangerment, if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, or if the fetus has a fatal condition.

7. What is the parental consent law for minors seeking an abortion in Missouri?


In Missouri, parental consent is required for a minor to obtain an abortion. A minor must provide written consent from a parent or legal guardian, as well as proof of their identity. If the minor is unable to obtain parental consent, they may obtain a judicial bypass by filing a petition in court.

8. Does Missouri fund abortion services through Medicaid?


No. Missouri does not fund abortion services through Medicaid.

9. Does Missouri require that women receive counseling prior to obtaining an abortion?


No, Missouri does not require that women receive counseling prior to obtaining an abortion.

10. Does Missouri impose waiting periods before a woman can obtain an abortion?


Yes, Missouri imposes a 72-hour waiting period before a woman can obtain an abortion.

11. Are there any restrictions on telemedicine abortion services in Missouri?


Yes, there are restrictions on telemedicine abortion services in Missouri. Missouri requires that any abortion pill be administered in the presence of a physician, which means that telemedicine abortions are not allowed in the state. Additionally, abortions after 22 weeks of gestation are prohibited in the state.

12. Is insurance coverage for abortion services available in Missouri?


No. Missouri does not require insurance companies to provide coverage for abortion services.

13. Does the state of Missouri require providers to offer medically accurate information about abortion services?


No, the state of Missouri does not require providers to offer medically accurate information about abortion services. However, the state does have several laws in place that regulate abortion services, including parental consent requirements and restrictions on insurance coverage for abortion services.

14. Are there any laws regarding the disposal of fetal remains in Missouri?


Yes, there are laws regarding the disposal of fetal remains in Missouri. Missouri law requires health care providers to dispose of fetal remains by cremation, interment, or any other means approved by the director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Health care providers must submit a report of fetal remains disposition to the director within 30 days after the disposal of the remains.

15. Are there any restrictions on the use of public funds for abortion services in Missouri?


Yes, there are restrictions on the use of public funds for abortion services in Missouri. Public funds are only allowed to be used for abortions in cases of medical emergency or rape or incest. Additionally, public funds are not allowed to be used for any abortion that is performed after the twentieth week of gestation.

References:
https://www.aclu.org/other/missouri-abortion-laws
https://www.mo.gov/health-and-senior-services/family-care/family-planning/abortion/

16. Is there a ban on abortion based on sex selection in Missouri?


No, there is not a ban on abortion based on sex selection in Missouri.

17. Does Missouri allow pharmacists to refuse to fill prescriptions for contraception or abortion medication?


Yes, Missouri allows pharmacists to refuse to fill prescriptions for contraception or abortion medication.

18. Does the state of Missouri require parental notification if a minor seeks an abortion?


Yes, Missouri requires parental notification if a minor seeks an abortion. A minor seeking an abortion must either obtain written consent from a parent or guardian or obtain a court order allowing the minor to receive the abortion without parental notification.

19. Is there an informed consent requirement for women seeking an abortion in Missouri?


Yes, there is an informed consent requirement for women seeking an abortion in Missouri. According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, a woman must be provided with information regarding the medical risks associated with the abortion procedure, the gestational age of the fetus, and other pertinent information prior to signing a consent form. Additionally, a woman must wait 72 hours after signing the informed consent form before the abortion can be performed.

20. What are the requirements for a safe and legal abortion in Missouri?


In Missouri, abortion is legal and accessible up to 22 weeks of gestation. In order for the abortion to be safe and legal, a woman must receive counseling from a doctor and receive a written informed consent from the doctor. The patient must also wait 72 hours after receiving the counseling before receiving the abortion. Additionally, the procedure must be performed by a licensed physician in a licensed facility.