A combined bill allowing pregnant women to be granted a divorce was given preliminary approval by the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
Currently in Missouri, it is common for a judge to delay the granting of a divorce if a woman is pregnant. The combined House Bills 1908 and 2337, given initial approval Tuesday, would make it so judges may not consider pregnancy as a reason not to approve a divorce. The bill is part of a bipartisan effort from Reps. Cecelie Williams, R-Dittmer, and Raychel Proudie, D-Ferguson.
"A medical condition should not bar anybody from having access to all of the judicial processes that everyone else has," Proudie said. "And right now, in the state of Missouri, we do that."
The bill was given preliminary approval on a voice vote and is currently awaiting full approval by the House. A similar bill sponsored by Williams passed the House last year but died in the Senate.
The two bills have received overwhelming support both in committee and on the floor of the House of Representatives.
"Moses allowed for a writ of divorce under certain circumstances. In the New Testament, Jesus ratified that, speaking of 'harmless apart,'" said Rep. Brian Seitz, R-Branson. "I think divorce in this case, possibly legal separation, is appropriate in some instances. From that perspective, I speak in favor of the ladies' legislation."
The Senate Committee on Seniors, Family and Health will be hearing two similar Senate Bills tomorrow, sponsored by Sens. Maggie Nurrenburn, D-Kansas City, and Brian Williams, D-University City. Their bills are Senate Bills 926 and 946, respectively.