Lawmakers discuss extending waiting period for abortions
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Lawmakers discuss extending waiting period for abortions

Date: March 5, 2014
By: Shannon O'Brien
State Capitol Bureau
Links: HB 1307

Intro: 
The House gave first round approval to a bill that would triple the waiting period women have to wait before having an abortion.
RunTime:  0:36
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The bill would require a woman to wait seventy two hours before having an abortion after she gives consent.

Democrats said extending the waiting period would not alter the end result, and they said the government should not put their nose in people's private lives.

But, some Republicans like Representative Wanda Brown focused on the idea of abortions.

Actuality:  BROWN.WAV
Run Time:  00:11
Description: "But, I would think that every man and woman on this earth that has a child could not look at their child and say I had a right to take your life."

Enough representatives voted in favor of the bill to override any potential veto by the Governor.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Shannon O'Brien.  

Intro: 
Through intense debate, the House gave preliminary approval to a measure requiring woman to wait three days before having an abortion after she gives consent.
RunTime:  0:34
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Republican lawmakers argued that waiting an extra three days before having an abortion is not too much to ask for.

But, Democrats like Representative Mary Nichols said women have already consulted with their family and religious leaders prior to making this decision.

Actuality:  NICHOLS.WAV
Run Time:  00:09
Description: "It's not a decision that any woman takes lightly and she ass already given it deep thought before seeking the assistance of a physician to end the pregnancy."

Missouri's current law requires twenty four hours before a woman can have an abortion after she gives consent.

The measure faces one more vote before going to the Senate.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Shannon O'Brien.