By Matt Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis – Activists on both sides of the abortion debate will gather in Jefferson City next week when the Missouri Legislature's veto session starts.
Abortion opponents want legislators to override Governor Bob Holden's veto of a bill that would require women to wait 24 hours before getting an abortion.
Missouri Right to Life President Pam Manning says the delay would allow women to get important health information before undergoing the procedure.
"This is a very reasonable piece of legislation that will provide for the women of Missouri medical information that will allow them to make an informed decision," Manning said.
Planned Parenthood says making rape victims wait for an abortion would further compound their psychological trauma. Paula Gianino, president of Planned Parenthood in St. Louis, says if enacted, the legislation could further harm rape victims.
"Our politicians have no business interfering in medical decisions that should be made by a woman in consultation with her family, her doctor, her god, and her conscience," Gianino said.