Both parents of a child under 18 years old would have to be notified prior to that child having an abortion under a bill sponsored by Representative Rocky Miller (R-Lake Ozark).

Rep. Rocky Miller (R-Lake Ozark)

Rep. Rocky Miller (R-Lake Ozark)

“People define that as an abortion bill. I truly define it as a parental rights bill,” said Miller. “As a father, I want to know what medical procedures are going to be performed on my minor child. It doesn’t have approval on it. I just want to know and I think many, many parents want to know.

Under current Missouri law, a parent with custody is notified of every medical action taken on behalf of their minor child except for an abortion. One parent of the minor must approve an abortion. The other parent does not have to be notified. However, if a minor feels that getting approval from a parent would put them in danger, the child can ask a judge to not require parental consent.

Miller’s bill was also offered this year. Representative Stacey Newman (D-St. Louis) opposed it and said the measure is designed to shame a minor and put them in danger.

“This wasn’t made to start arguments or put anyone in danger,” said Miller. “It’s only to notify the other parent if they deserved to be notified of when their child was going to have an abortion.”

Exemptions to the bill include when a non-custodial parent has been convicted of specific crimes.