The Missouri House has given first-round approval to legislation that would allow medical workers to refuse to take part in procedures that violate their religious or ethical beliefs.
The sponsor, Republican House Speaker Tim Jones of St. Louis County, said protecting the rights of workers is at the heart of the bill.
“So we want to encourage those people in the healthcare field and give them a shield, so they can have an opt-out, with proper notice, to their employer,” Jones said.
Democrat Stacey Newman, also of St. Louis County, says the new law would threaten those in need of emergency care, especially women in need of contraceptive care.
“I’m offended,” Newman said “This bill terrorizes rape victims. Is this what we’re gonna do? This is the Todd Akin bill of the session? Come on!”
The bill was approved mostly along party lines, though a few Democrats voted with the Republican majority. It needs one more vote by the full House before moving to the Missouri Senate.