Chances 'excellent' for passage of Mayer abortion bill

State Senator Rob Mayer discusses legislation on the floor of the Missouri Senate. Mayer feels chances are excellent that a bill he is sponsoring that modified Missouri's abortion laws will pass in the remainder the current legislative session. Mayer represents the 25th Senatorial District that includes Dunklin County.

State Senator Rob Mayer, R-Dexter, introduced legislation earlier this year that modifies Missouri's consent requirements for an abortion.

The legislation, Senate Bill 793, would include two key components, with the first being the requirement to provide new information developed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to women seeking an abortion .

The information would include color photographs showing the development of an unborn child at two week intervals from conception to birth.

The most effective way to protect women, children and our families is to ensure that women considering an abortion receive factual information concerning their decision," Mayer said.

A woman would also be given the opportunity, at least 24 hours before an abortion, to see an active ultrasound of the child," Mayer said. This would also include the opportunity to hear the unborn child's heartbeat.

In addition to the developmental information and free ultrasound, under the legislation any woman seeking an abortion is to be provided with information regarding anesthesia or an analgesic to alleviate any pain for herself or the child being aborted.

She would be given information and help that is available from the state and from private or charitable organizations in raising a child. And there would be information to inform her the father of the child is obligated to providing for the upbringing of the child," Mayer said.

Mayer said all of these steps are included to help a woman make an informed judgment about having an abortion.

These provisions are designed to assist a woman in making the decision to have an abortion," Mayer said. "I think anybody needs to be informed about any consequences of any type of medical procedure they are about to undertake. It is beneficial to have as much information as possible."

Mayer's legislation has been criticized by Planned Parenthood in Missouri. The organization called the waiting period an unfair burden and said much of the information is already available.

Mayer and State Senator Joan Bray, D-University City, engaged in a lively debate on the Senate floor recently.

I am personally as a woman offended that an unwanted pregnancy is all the fault of the woman," Bray said on the Senate debate earlier this month. " don't see the sperm side have to take any of the responsibility."

I think you're making a great inference into the bill when you read that into it," Mayer replied.

Mayer said the key to the legislation is that it ensures that the information is, indeed, provided to women prior to an abortion. He added that among that information is the responsibilities of the father.

I think this is legislation that provides important information to a woman. I don't think it takes away from her right to have an abortion," he said." This is a chance to make sure women have the information they need to make such an important decision."

Mayer feels the chances of the legislation passed both the Senate and the House this legislative session are "excellent." State Rep. Bryan Pratt, R-House Springs, is the sponsor of the legislation in the House chamber. Hearings on the legislation were held in the Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee in February.

Mayer's state senatorial district includes Dunklin, Stoddard, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Butler, Ripley and Wayne counties in the Southeastern corner of the Show-Me State.

The General Assembly will adjourn May 14.