House passes bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks gestation

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Intro:	According to a bill passed by the House, women no longer would be able to get abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy without a second doctor's opinion.
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Wrap: Under the bill, women still would be able to get an abortion if a second doctor gives approval for the procedure.

Doctors may be fined if they perform the procedure without a second opinion.

During the debate, Republican Representative John McCaherty said it is important to remember the restrictions of the bill apply only to women who are over 20 weeks pregnant.

Actuality:	MCCARTY.WAV
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Description: "At five months, my goodness, if you can't make a decision in five months, then there's more of a problem there than just the will to have an abortion."

Some opponents of the bill argued it may be difficult for women of rural areas to access a second doctor, especially in the event of a medical emergency.

From the Missouri State Capitol, I'm Meghann Mollerus.

Intro:	Women would no longer be able to have abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy unless a second doctor gives approval, according to a bill passed on the House floor.
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Wrap: Republican Majority Floor Leader and bill sponsor Tim Jones said a fetus is viable at 20 weeks of pregnancy.

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Description: "And it is a child, it's not a fetus, it's not a section of cells, it's a life. If we're going to start talking about the health and the welfare of the mother and all that, let's talk about the health and the welfare of the other life."

Some opponents argued it may be difficult for women from rural areas to get a second doctor's opinion.

Others said it is a woman's choice to have an abortion after 20 weeks, and lawmakers should not intervene.

Under the bill, doctors would be fined if they were to perform the procedure without a second opinion.

From the Missouri State capitol, I'm Meghann Mollerus.

Intro:	Opponents of a bill passed by the House banning some late-term abortions after 20 weeks say women's rights are being violated by lawmakers.
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Wrap: Opponents of the bill argued some women in rural areas may not have financial or transportation access to get a second doctor's opinion.

Under the bill, a second doctor's opinion would be required if women want to get an abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Others, like St. Louis Democratic Representative Tishuara Jones, spoke in opposition of any government control over a woman's decision.

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Description: "Get your hands out of my belly. Get them out, because this bill criminalizes the doctor-patient relationship and it tells women what to do with their bodies and their children."

Despite Jones's opinion, supporters of the bill said a fetus is considered viable at 20 weeks and therefore is a child.

From the Missouri State Capitol, I'm Meghann Mollerus.