House members in Missouri have passed a bill that will implement a 72-hour waiting period for those in the state wishing to get an abortion. The bill allows for exceptions for cases of medical emergencies but not for cases or rape or incest. The bill passed with a vote of 111-39 and would extend the current waiting period in the state from 24 hours. Democratic representative Linda Black also added an amendment that also requires women desiring an abortion to watch a video of abortion alternatives.
Governor Jay Nixon, a democrat, said he hasn’t decided whether or not he will sign it. “[T]his extreme proposal would separate Missouri from all but one other state in the nation,” Nixon added. “I have profound concerns about its impact on women and especially the victims of these heinous crimes.”
Missouri has only one abortion clinic, and that clinic performed 9,000 abortions in 2012. South Dakota is the only other state in the U.S. that requires a 72-hour waiting period. Alabama recently passed a law requires a 48-hour waiting period following an abortion clinic visit.
