Bill > HB2337

This bill amends Missouri's divorce and legal separation laws to explicitly state that pregnancy status cannot prevent a court from entering a judgment of dissolution of marriage or legal separation. Specifically, the bill modifies existing statutes to add language that clarifies pregnancy is not a barrier to obtaining a divorce or legal separation. The bill requires that in any petition for divorce or legal separation, parties must still meet existing residency requirements (90 days of state residence) and demonstrate the state of their marriage (whether it is irretrievably broken or potentially salvageable). The bill maintains existing provisions about filing requirements, such as including Social Security number details and proposing parenting plans if children are involved. The key innovation is the clear statement that pregnancy cannot be used as a reason to prevent or delay legal separation or divorce proceedings, which appears to be intended to ensure that individuals are not forced to remain in marriages against their will due to pregnancy status.

Health and Social Services

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2337&year=2026&code=R