Governor of Missouri signs bill banning abortion after 8 weeks

The signing of Governor Mike Parson makes Missouri the last state to pass such legislation in the hope that conservative Supreme Court justices will reconsider the Roe v. Wade, 1973 decision that legalized abortion in the United States.

"By signing this bill today, we are sending a strong message to the country: In Missouri, we are defending life, protecting women's health and advocating for unborn children," Parson said in a statement. after signing the law. "Every life has value and deserves to be protected."

The law, known as House Bill 126, includes exceptions for what it defines as medical emergencies – such as cases where a mother's life is in danger or who is seriously injured permanently – but not for pregnancies resulting from rape or rape. incest. It includes a provision that would prohibit abortion if Roe v. Wade was one day upset.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri described the signing of the bill as "a terrible blow" for health care in the state and promised "to explore all options" to prevent the law from spreading. 39, enter into force on August 28.

"With Governor Parson's decision to sign HB126, he joins other disconnected Republican leaders who do not protect the right to abortion even in cases of rape and incest," said Sara Baker, legislative director. and policy of the ACLU of Missouri, in a report.

"This legislation puts politicians in the examination room and challenges the Missouri's basic autonomy," she added. "It is unconstitutional and must be stopped."

The GOP legislators who voted for the bill said it would ban abortions after the fetus has developed to the point where it can feel pain.

When asked about the bill last week, Mr. Parson said that he thought he was meeting the standard "of what I think is constitutional for our state". He foresaw that this would withstand a court challenge, adding that he thought Roe should be overthrown.

The Missouri legislature passed HB 126 last week, a few days after Alabama Governor, Kay Ivey, signed the country 's most restrictive abortion law. Under the Alabama law, doctors who practice abortions can be sentenced to life imprisonment.

Restrictive bills have recently been passed in other states, including Georgia and Mississippi.

CNN's Eric Bradner and Caroline Kelly contributed to this report.