Missouri Republicans launch latest plan to ‘defund’ Planned Parenthood | Politics

Coleman’s proposal would prohibit the termination of a pregnancy once cardiac activity is detected in an embryo, usually around six weeks and before some women are aware they are pregnant.

Her proposal also would allow private citizens to sue clinics, doctors and anyone else who facilitates an abortion after the cardiac activity is detected.

The latest push is unfolding as the number of abortions in Missouri has dropped sharply after the passage of GOP-crafted laws like a 72-hour mandatory waiting period, which requires two appointments three days apart for those wanting an abortion.

Just two years after more than 1,300 abortions were performed in Missouri, there were 167 last year, with 46 of those at Planned Parenthood’s facility on Forest Park Avenue in St. Louis. The rest were at Missouri hospitals.

Many women are instead opting to travel to Planned Parenthood’s facility in Fairview Heights, in a state where abortion laws are less restrictive.

“Even though we’ve made major strides… there are still Missourians going over to Illinois,” Schroer said, arguing in favor of his legislation.