Missouri House passes new parental notification requirement for abortion

On Wednesday, the Missouri House voted 109-35 to pass a bill requiring both parents to be notified in order for a minor to obtain an abortion.

Current law in the state requires the written consent of one parent, but this legislation would require informing the second, as well.

Bill sponsor Rep. Rocky Miller, a Republican, argued for the bill by discussing the example of of his then-teenage daughter, who opted not to have an abortion thanks to knowing she had her parents’ support.

Miller further noted that the bill does not apply to parents who have a history of drug abuse, have been convicted of child abuse, or have had protective orders taken out against them.

The bill now moves onto the Senate, which is controlled by Republicans. Democrat Governor Jay Nixon has vetoed pro-life legislation in the past, but has been overridden by legislative supermajority.

If the bill is enacted, it will strengthen parental involvement requirements in the state, but Missouri will still permit minors to petition a judge for a judicial bypass.