Bill > HB194

This bill significantly modifies Missouri's abortion laws by prohibiting abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, typically around 6 weeks of pregnancy. The legislation defines a fetal heartbeat as a key threshold for abortion restrictions and establishes a unique civil enforcement mechanism. Specifically, the bill allows any private citizen (except state employees) to sue anyone who performs an abortion after a fetal heartbeat is detected, with potential statutory damages of at least $10,000 per abortion. The bill also fundamentally redefines legal protections for unborn children, stating that life begins at conception and that unborn children are entitled to the same rights as other persons. Medical emergencies are exempt from these restrictions, and physicians must document their rationale for performing an abortion in such cases. The bill includes detailed provisions about how fetal heartbeat should be detected, what documentation is required, and sets strict parameters for civil litigation, including a four-year statute of limitations for filing lawsuits. Notably, the bill prohibits the state from directly enforcing these restrictions, instead relying on private civil actions, and prevents lawsuits against the woman seeking an abortion. This approach is similar to Texas's controversial SB 8 abortion law, designed to create significant legal obstacles to abortion access while attempting to avoid direct state enforcement.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB194&year=2025&code=R