How does the Overturning of Roe v. Wade affect MO?

Getting an abortion in Missouri was tough long before the overturning of Roe v. Wade this past June. Since 2018 there has only been one abortion clinic in the entire state because of abortion restrictions implemented in 2019 and other clinics losing their licenses.The 2019 law included a trigger that was created to go into effect only when/if Roe v. Wade was ever overturned. That trigger law declared that abortion would be illegal in Missouri regardless of rape or incest, with the only exception being for the case of a medical emergency.Directly after the June 24th decision at the Supreme Court, all abortions in the state were stopped. 

What classifies a Medical Emergency in Missouri Law?

The only abortions that can legally happen in Missouri are for medical emergencies. 

According to the state, a medical emergency that requires an abortion is only done when necessary to save the patient’s life.

According to Missouri Law: “a (medical emergency is a) condition which, based on reasonable medical judgment, so complicates the medical condition of a pregnant woman as to necessitate the immediate abortion of her pregnancy to avert the death of the pregnant woman or for which a delay will create a serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function of the pregnant woman.”

What are the repercussions of not following the current Missouri Abortion Law?

According to a statement released on June 24, 2022, by Missouri’s Attorney General Eric Schmitt, a woman who has had an abortion procedure will not face prosecution. However, the physician who completed the abortion will face a class B felony, up to 15 years in prison, and could lose their medical license. 

What other options do Pregnant Women in Missouri have when seeking an Elective Abortion?

If you plan to go out of state for an abortion, it is important to know you have more than one option for your unintended pregnancy. No one should ever feel pressured to make a choice or be put in a corner when it comes to their future. The choice is yours. 

At Liberty Women’s Clinic, we want to make sure you have all the details so you can make an informed choice. If you would like to learn more about what your choices are, please contact us. We are here to listen to, encourage, and support you.