An abortion bill is headed to the desk of Missouri governor Jay Nixon, where is remains unclear whether the Democratic governor will sign the measure into law.
The bill, which passed in the Missouri House by a 121-33 vote, bans abortions performed after 20 weeks of gestation, except if the fetus is not viable or in the event of a medical emergency. The bill would also make it a felony for doctors to perform such abortions, a crime carrying minimum one-year prison sentence and a fine of as much as $50,000.
Democrats opposed the measure, saying it infringes on the right of women, while Republicans say the measure will reduce the number of abortions.
The latest proposal, however, pales in comparison to a controversial abortion bill passed by Missouri lawmakers last year. The measure put forth requirements for sonograms and a handful of additional provisions.
The measure comes in the wake of a debate over funding for Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest provider of health care services for women. Indiana governor Mitch Daniels, a potential Republican presidential candidate, signed a controversial measure banning funding for the organization earlier this week.
