On July 26, 2017, Governor Greitens signed into law historic pro-life legislation ( HCS SS SB 5). The Governor's signature came one day after the Missouri Senate voted 22 to 9 to pass the bill.
 
This tremendous success would not have been possible without your help and the help of all members of the MCC Catholic Advocacy Network (MOCAN). Thank you!
 
As passed, the new law requires unannounced inspections of abortion clinics and for the clinics to have emergency measures in place for botched abortions. It ensures that women hear medical information from a doctor before deciding whether to obtain an abortion, largely overturns the St. Louis "abortion sanctuary" ordinance, and prohibits other municipalities from passing similar ordinances. Finally, the law allows the Missouri Attorney General to enforce the state's abortion laws when local prosecutors fail to do so.
 
The governor's signature was never in doubt, but passage by the Missouri Senate was. The Senate had passed an earlier version of SB 5 on June 15 that largely focused on overturning the St. Louis "abortion sanctuary" ordinance. The Missouri House, however, amended the bill, adding many additional pro-life provisions.
 
When the Senate took up the House amended version of SB 5, opponents waged a two-day filibuster before sponsor Andrew Koenig (R-Manchester) made a motion to end debate and proceed to a vote on the bill. 19 senators agreed to the Koenig motion, despite a Senate tradition of rarely ending debate by calling for the previous question.
 
With delaying tactics put aside, the Senate then approved the measure by a vote of 22 in favor to 9 opposed.
 
Again, thank you for all your help in this great pro-life victory!