Abortion Waiting Periods in Missouri

1. What is the Abortion Waiting Period in Missouri?


The abortion waiting period in Missouri is 72 hours. This means that a woman must wait at least 72 hours after having an initial consultation with a medical professional before she can have an abortion.

2. How Long is the Abortion Waiting Period in Missouri?


In Missouri, there is a 72-hour waiting period prior to an abortion.

3. Are There Mandatory Counseling Requirements for Abortion Waiting Periods in Missouri?


Yes, Missouri does require mandatory counseling before a woman can have an abortion. Missouri requires that women receive counseling 24 hours before the procedure, and the counseling must include information about the medical risks associated with the abortion. The woman is also required to look at images of the fetus and listen to the fetal heartbeat.

4. Does Missouri have a Parental Consent Requirement for Minors Seeking Abortions?


Yes, Missouri has a parental consent requirement for minors seeking abortions. Minors must obtain written notarized consent from one parent or legal guardian prior to obtaining an abortion.

5. Does Missouri Require an Ultrasound Prior to Obtaining an Abortion?


Yes, Missouri requires an ultrasound prior to obtaining an abortion. The state requires that a physician performing or inducing the abortion must first perform an ultrasound and display, describe, and provide the pregnant woman with a simultaneous explanation of the active ultrasound image.

6. Does Missouri Allow Minors to Waive the Waiting Period for Abortions?


No, Missouri does not permit minors to waive the 72-hour waiting period for abortions. All minors must wait the full 72 hours before having an abortion procedure.

7. Does Missouri Allow the Use of Telemedicine for Abortions?


No, Missouri does not allow the use of telemedicine for abortions. Missouri is one of several states that have enacted laws prohibiting the use of telemedicine for the provision of abortion services.

8. Does Missouri Prohibit Health Insurance Coverage for Abortions?


Yes, Missouri does prohibit health insurance coverage for abortions, except in cases of a medical emergency.

9. Is There a Mandatory Delay for Abortions in Missouri?


Yes, there is a mandatory waiting period of 72 hours before an abortion can be performed in Missouri.

10. Does Missouri Place Restrictions on Late Term Abortions?


Yes, Missouri has restrictions on late term abortions. According to Missouri law, abortions performed after 22 weeks of gestation must be done in a hospital setting with the approval of two physicians, and abortions performed after 24 weeks must include approval from three physicians.

11. Is There a Ban on Certain Types of Abortions in Missouri?


Yes, there is a ban on certain types of abortions in Missouri. Under Missouri law, certain types of abortions can be prohibited, including those performed after eight weeks of pregnancy and those performed due to genetic abnormalities.

12. What are the Contraceptive Access Requirements in Missouri?


In Missouri, all FDA-approved contraceptives are covered for individuals under health insurance plans, including employer plans, issued in the state. Additionally, the Missouri Department of Social Services will waive certain costs associated with contraceptive services for individuals who are eligible for Medicaid or Family Planning Services.

All health care providers must offer contraceptive counseling and services free of charge to minors aged 12 and over and provide emergency contraception upon request. In addition, providers may not require parental consent for such services.

Finally, insurance companies may not limit or deny coverage of contraceptive methods based on a provider’s religious belief or moral convictions.

13. Is There a Refusal Clause in Place in Missouri for Providers Who Object to Performing Abortions?


Yes, according to Missouri state law, any physician or hospital personnel who objects on moral or religious grounds to performing abortions can refuse to do so.

14. Does Missouri Require Domestic Violence Counseling Before an Abortion?


No, Missouri does not require domestic violence counseling before an abortion.

15. Is Sex Education Required Prior to Obtaining an Abortion in Missouri?


No, sex education is not required prior to obtaining an abortion in Missouri.

16. Does Missouri Provide Public Funding for Abortions?


No, Missouri does not provide public funding for abortions. Missouri law prohibits the use of public funds to pay for any abortion services, except in limited cases where the mother’s life is at risk, or if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.

17. Are There Any Exceptions to the Abortion Waiting Period in Missouri?


Yes, there are several exceptions to the abortion waiting period in Missouri. The waiting period may be waived in cases of medical emergency, incest involving a minor, or if the woman is under 18 and has obtained permission from a parent or guardian. Additionally, if the patient is a victim of rape or incest and can provide documentation from a certified rape crisis center or a law enforcement agency, they may be exempt from the waiting period.

18. Is There a 24 Hour Waiting Period Before an Abortion inMissouri?


Yes. In Missouri, a woman must wait 24 hours after her initial appointment before having an abortion.

19. What Happens if the Physician Waives the Waiting Period in Missouri?


In Missouri, physicians may waive the 48-hour waiting period between the time a woman receives counseling and when she can obtain an abortion. In such cases, the woman must be given an informed consent form that includes information about the risks and benefits of the procedure and the medical assistance available in case of complications, as well as other information required by state law. Once the informed consent form is signed, the woman can then obtain an abortion.

20. Is Informed Consent Required Before an Abortion in Missouri?


Yes, informed consent is required before an abortion in Missouri. All individuals seeking an abortion must receive state-mandated counseling and must wait at least 72 hours before having the procedure. They must also provide written consent before having the procedure.