Governor vetoes bill proposing longer abortion waiting period

Governor Nixon vetoed 4 bills Wednesday, including House Bill 1307, which Nixon said would prolong the suffering of rape and incest victims, and put women’s health and well-being at risk.

The bill proposed a change to the minimum amount of time a woman had to wait before getting an abortion from 24 hours to 72.

Nixon said, “”By failing to include an exception for rape and incest, House Bill 1307 demonstrates a callous disregard for women who find themselves in horrific circumstances and would make Missouri one of just two states in the nation to take such an extreme step. Lengthening the already extensive waiting period serves no demonstrable purpose other than to create emotional and financial hardships for women who have undoubtedly already spent considerable time wrestling with perhaps the most difficult decision they may ever have to make.”

Along with the 4 vetoes, Nixon signed 13 other bills Wednesday.