Missouri Governor Vetoes Abortion Waiting Period

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon today vetoed legislation that would have required a 72-hour waiting period for women seeking abortions. The Democratic governor said he vetoed the bill because it didn't include an exception for rape and incest victims, and hence showed "a callous disregard for women who find themselves in horrific circumstances."

The measure would've made Missouri just the third state to require a 72-hour waiting period, along with South Dakota and Utah. Utah's law includes an exception for rape and incest victims, and people under age 14. Missouri currently requires a 24-hour wait between when a woman consults a physician and receives an abortion. The Missouri House approved the legislation with enough votes to override a veto. The Senate was one vote short of a supermajority. (More Missouri stories.)