Missouri lawmakers have sent the first non‑budget bill of the year to Gov. Mike Kehoe, clarifying that pregnant women can legally finalize a divorce.
Rep. Cecelie Williams, R-Dittmer, who said she was once denied a divorce while pregnant and escaping abuse, calls it her “Independence Day.”
“And when I came public with my story last year, it took a lot for me to do that,” said Williams. “But I knew in order for people to realize the severity of the barriers placed on pregnant women that are in abusive relationships, it would take me being open and honest about my abuse.”
Williams said it’s the first bill in at least 20 years to pass both chambers unanimously.
“We have bipartisanship support, so I think that allowing myself to be vulnerable and coming out with my story has helped a lot of people understand the different barriers are placed on pregnant women,” said Williams.
Williams said it is time to “End the silence so that we can stop the violence.”
“There are so many women and men who are still silent and being able to be their voice and know that they have a safe place in Missouri to come out and that we are changing laws to protect them and protect everything that they have gone through and to make sure that we are successful with their healing,” said Williams.
The bill now awaits the governor’s decision.
https://house.mo.gov/BillContent.aspx?bill=HB1908&year=2026
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