Late in the evening on September 10, the Missouri legislature gave final approval to override Governor Nixon’s veto of two very important pro-life bills and one line item veto of a budget increase for Missouri’s Alternatives to Abortion Program.
To shut down the filibuster by pro-abortion senators, the senate used the rare procedural maneuver of calling for the previous question.
The override of HB 1307 was passed with strong bi-partisan support by votes of 117 to 44 in the House and by 23 to 7 in the Senate. The override of HB 1132 also received bi-partisan support and was passed in the House by 123 to 36 and in the Senate by 27 to 2.
The line item veto was overridden by a vote of 120 to 36 in the House and a vote of 28 to 1 In the Senate.
HB 1307 increases the time of reflection after counseling before an abortion can be performed from 24 hours to 72 hours. This reflection time gives a women time to contemplate her situation, research information about the dangers and consequences of abortion and review the help and resources that are available to her through the alternatives to abortion program and other sources.
HB 1132 increases the maximum funding available for pregnancy resource centers through tax credits. As abortions continue to decrease, more and more women are choosing life and are in need of help and services. This increase in available funds for tax credits will help provide those services.
“These bills work together to protect the women of Missouri and ensure that in this matter of life and death, they don’t make a decision that will have a detrimental effect on them both physically and emotionally,” said Pam Fichter, President of Missouri Right to Life. “Pro-lifers across Missouri are so thankful and pleased that these bills are going into effect.
Fichter added, “We thank the sponsors of these bills. We thank all the legislators who voted for these bills and these overrides. We are especially grateful to the Speaker of the House, Tim Jones and President Pro Tem of the Senate, Tom Dempsey. “
Chelsea Garcia is a political writer with a special interest in international relations and social issues. Events surrounding the war in Ukraine and the war in Israel are a major focus for political journalists. But as a former local reporter, she is also interested in national politics.
Chelsea Garcia studied media, communication and political science in Texas, USA, and learned the journalistic trade during an internship at a daily newspaper. In addition to her political writing, she is pursuing a master's degree in multimedia and writing at Texas.
