While Missouri House Republicans have rallied behind a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban abortion but allow some exceptions for survivors of rape and incest, a similar proposal in the Senate received push-back Wednesday from a Republican lawmaker and anti-abortion activists.

The Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee on Wednesday heard testimony on a proposed amendment filed by state Sen. Adam Schnelting, a Republican from St. Charles. Similar legislation was filed in the House by GOP state Rep. Melanie Stinnett of Springfield.

Both proposals seek to revive Missouri’s near-total ban on abortion with one concession: an exception for victims of rape or incest who seek an abortion in the first 12 weeks gestation but who first report the assault to police. Both also ban gender-affirming health care for minors and allow abortions during an ectopic pregnancy.

While much of the opposition to Stinnett’s bill during a House hearing earlier this month came from abortion-rights advocates, Schnelting’s bill drew fire from fierce opponents of abortion.

https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/27/anti-abortion-rape-incest-exceptions-missouri-senate/