Mo. Gov. faces defining choice on abortion bills; La. House approves abortion ban after 20 weeks

Jun 5 2012

Missouri's governor faces tough choices on a pair of abortion bills awaiting his signature or veto -- moves that could have national implications. In the meantime, Louisiana lawmakers have approved a bill banning abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Kansas City Star: Contraceptive Health Insurance Bill Awaits Nixon's Decision
The fate of a bill allowing employers in Missouri to refuse to provide health insurance coverage for contraception, sterilization or abortion is in the hands of Gov. Jay Nixon, who over the years has managed to sidestep taking a stand on abortion legislation. Two anti-abortion bills have been sent to the desk of the Democratic governor during his first term, and both times he took no action. Instead of signing or vetoing the bills, on both occasions he let a constitutional deadline pass that allowed them to become law without his signatures. This time, however, the issue could have implications on the national stage (Hancock, 6/2).

Reuters: Louisiana House Approves Bill Banning Abortions After 20 Weeks
The Louisiana state House of Representatives on Friday unanimously approved a bill that would prohibit abortion beyond 20 weeks after fertilization unless the mother's life is in danger. Georgia a month ago became the seventh state to ban most or all abortions after 20 weeks. Alabama, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska and North Carolina also have such restrictions (Finn, 6/1).