1. How accessible is abortion in Missouri?

Abortion is severely restricted in Missouri. Missouri has some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country. As of January 2020, abortion is available only at certain clinics within the state. Women seeking abortion are required to receive mandatory counseling and then wait 72 hours before the procedure can be performed. Additionally, abortions after the 22nd week of pregnancy are prohibited, and there is a ban on abortions based on gender or genetic anomaly. Furthermore, parental consent is required for minors, and insurance coverage for abortion is severely limited.

2. What is the legal gestational limit for abortion in Missouri?

In Missouri, the legal gestational limit for abortion is 24 weeks.

3. Does Missouri require parental involvement for minors seeking an abortion?

Yes, Missouri requires parental/guardian involvement for minors seeking an abortion. Minors must provide written consent from one parent or legal guardian in order to receive an abortion.

4. Does Missouri mandate waiting periods before an abortion?

Yes, Missouri mandates a 72-hour waiting period before an abortion.

5. Does Missouri require the disclosure of any information prior to an abortion?

Yes, Missouri requires that a woman receive an informed consent form and counseling at least 24 hours prior to her abortion. This counseling must include information about the risks associated with the abortion procedure, as well as available options to her such as parenting or adoption. The informed consent form must include facts about fetal development, the medical risks associated with the procedure, alternatives to abortion, and a list of local resources that can provide assistance to a woman considering an abortion.

6. Does Missouri provide public funding for abortion services?

No, Missouri does not provide public funding for abortion services.

7. Are there any exceptions to the gestational limit in Missouri?

Yes, there are exceptions to the gestational limit in Missouri. Under Missouri law, a woman may terminate her pregnancy at any time before viability if the termination is necessary to protect her life or health, or if the fetus has a fatal condition or fatal defect. Additionally, a woman seeking an abortion after 22 weeks gestation must obtain permission from two physicians who agree that the abortion is necessary to protect her life or health.

8. Can a physician or medical facility refuse to provide abortion services in Missouri?

Yes, physicians and medical facilities are allowed to refuse to provide abortion services in Missouri. Physicians can refuse to provide abortion services based on their personal, religious, or moral beliefs. Medical facilities can also refuse to provide abortion services based on their policies.

9. Are there any laws related to medication or surgical abortions in Missouri?

Yes, there are laws related to medication and surgical abortions in Missouri. Currently, Missouri has several restrictions in place regarding abortions, such as a 24-hour waiting period and a parental consent law for minors. Additionally, public funding is not available for most abortions and all abortion providers must have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. Furthermore, medication abortions must take place in a licensed ambulatory surgical center and must be administered according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration protocol.

10. Is informed consent required by providers before performing an abortion in Missouri?

Yes, informed consent is required by providers before performing an abortion in Missouri. According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, a woman seeking an abortion must provide written informed consent prior to the procedure. This consent must be obtained in person and must include the following information: a description of the abortion procedure, a description of the medical risks associated with the procedure, the probable gestational age of the fetus, the availability of medical assistance benefits for prenatal care, childbirth, and neonatal care, and the name of the physician performing the abortion.

11. Does Missouri allow for the provision of telemedicine abortion services?

No. Missouri does not allow for the provision of telemedicine abortion services.

12. Are specific medical facilities required to provide abortions in Missouri?

No. The Missouri General Assembly has passed legislation that prohibits certain healthcare facilities from performing abortions, including public hospitals, state universities, and certain ambulatory surgical centers.

13. Does Missouri have any regulations regarding the provision of post-abortion care?

Yes, Missouri does have regulations regarding the provision of post-abortion care. According to Missouri Law, all post-abortion care must be provided in a timely manner and must include a physical exam, counseling on contraception and follow-up visits, if necessary. The Department of Health and Senior Services may also require that medical records related to post-abortion care be maintained for a period of not less than five years.

14. Does Missouri have any restrictions on abortion protestors near clinics or medical facilities providing abortions?

Yes, Missouri has restrictions on abortion protestors near clinics or medical facilities providing abortions. The state has enacted a law which requires abortion protestors to stay at least eight feet away from people entering or leaving the facility, and prohibits them from blocking or hindering access to the facility.

15. Can health insurance plans cover abortion services in Missouri?

No, health insurance plans cannot cover abortion services in Missouri. Missouri law prohibits health plans offered through the state health insurance marketplace from covering abortion services, except in cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest.

16. Are there any requirements for the disposal of fetal tissue after an abortion in Missouri?

Yes, Missouri has specific requirements for the disposal of fetal tissue after an abortion. Fetal tissue must be disposed of in a manner consistent with the rules of the Department of Health and Senior Services. These rules state that fetal tissue must be disposed of by incineration, steam disinfection, incineration followed by grind and dispose, or other approved method as determined by the Department of Health and Senior Services.

17. How are fetal remains handled after an abortion in Missouri?

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services states that fetal remains resulting from an abortion must be handled according to the following guidelines:

1. Fetal remains must be disposed of in a humane manner, consistent with all applicable laws and regulations.

2. It is illegal to cremate, bury, or place fetal remains in a landfill.

3. Clinics must ensure that the fetal remains are disposed of through incineration or interment at a local cemetery or other suitable facility.

4. The identity of the person responsible for disposing of the fetal remains should be maintained at the clinic.

5. The cost of disposal must be borne by the clinic or the patient, but not by any public funds.

18. Does Missouri recognize gestational and fetal age based on ultrasound measurements?

Yes, Missouri recognizes gestational and fetal age based on ultrasound measurements. Ultrasound testing is the most accurate way to determine a baby’s gestational age, and is generally considered the gold standard for making an accurate assessment.

19. Are there any laws related to informed consent for minors seeking an abortion in Missouri?

Yes, in Missouri, a minor must obtain permission from a parent or guardian before undergoing an abortion unless the minor successfully obtains a judicial waiver. The judicial waiver may be granted if the court finds that the minor is mature enough to give informed consent or that an abortion is in her best interest. The law also requires that the physician providing the abortion must make a reasonable effort to notify the parent or guardian of the minor’s plans.

Additionally, Missouri has enacted a law that requires parental notification before a minor obtains an abortion. The law requires that at least one parent or guardian must be notified 48 hours prior to the abortion procedure. Minors may seek a judicial waiver of the parental notification requirement if they can demonstrate that they are sufficiently mature or that it is in their best interest to obtain the abortion without notifying their parents.

20. Is there a judicial bypass process to allow minors to obtain an abortion without parental consent in Missouri?

Yes, there is a judicial bypass process in Missouri that allows minors to obtain an abortion without parental consent. The bypass process involves a minor making a petition to the court to request permission for the abortion procedure. The court can grant permission if it finds that the minor is mature enough to make her own decision, or if the abortion is in the best interest of the minor.