By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, Mo. – The Missouri House gave first-round passage today to tighter restrictions on girls and women seeking abortions.
The bill would allow lawsuits against anyone who helps a minor get an abortion without the consent of her parent or a judge.
It also aims to cut down on abortions in rural areas away from major medical centers. Abortion providers would be required to have obstetrical or gynecological privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of where the abortion is performed.
The bill also would allow the use of "medical emergency" as a legal defense for providing an abortion to a minor who doesn't have parental consent.
The designation would allow abortions to save the life of the mother or prevent severe injury.