Senate Gives Initial Approval To Abortion Parental Consent Bill

The State Senate has given preliminary approval to a bill that could lead to civil fines being imposed on anyone helping a minor avoid Missouri’s parental consent law for abortions. The legislation is aimed primarily at those who skirt Missouri’s parental consent law by taking minors across state lines – Illinois, in particular – where parental consent laws don’t exist. Senator John Loudon of Ballwin, the sponsor, says this could help strengthen the relationship between pregnant teens and their parents. Opponents, like Senator Ken Jacob of Columbia, believe this legislation would be unconstitutional. Violation would result in a fine of up to 1,000. The bill needs one more positive vote in the Senate before it can move to the House.