MO Lawmaker Seeks to Curb Access to Out-of-State Abortions

MAR 9 2022·Updated DEC 21 2022

Story

Image credit: The New York Times

The Facts

A GOP State Rep. has proposed a bill to prohibit Missouri residents from leaving the state to obtain abortions, allowing private citizens to sue anyone who helps with this.
wapo
Over 10k state residents have had abortions performed by MO's only Planned Parenthood Centre, located on the border with Illinois, since one of the country's strictest abortion laws was passed in the state in 2019.
Newsweek
The proposed provision will likely avoid major legal challenges as SCOTUS allowed Texas' similar citizen enforcement mechanism, which allows private citizens to pursue litigation against anyone who performs or assists in performing abortions, to stand.
nytimes
A nationwide push in legislative activity aimed at restricting access to abortion has emerged as the Supreme Court is expected to overturn Roe v. Wade in July.
nytimes

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Left narrative

This bill would open the door to unconstitutional lawsuits against those who aid abortions outside the borders of the state of MO. This is a further attack on women's rights.

Newsweek

Right narrative

By replicating the precedent set by the Texas law passed in 2021, Planned Parenthood's unethical work ending the lives of unborn children will be restricted. Private citizens should be entitled to bring suits against abortionists to aid challenges to Roe v. Wade.

LifeSite