Missouri poised to vote on 72-hour abortion wait

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri lawmakers are poised to vote this week to enact one of the nation’s longest abortion waiting periods.

The Republican-led Legislature could get help from some Democrats as it votes on overriding Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon’s veto of legislation requiring doctors to wait 72 hours after consulting with women before performing abortions.

Nixon said he vetoed the bill, in part, because it lacks an exception for cases of rape and incest.

Republican leaders say they are confident they will override the veto.

Missouri’s waiting period would be the second most stringent behind South Dakota’s, which can extend beyond 72 hours because it doesn’t count weekends and holidays.

Utah is the only other state with a 72-hour abortion waiting period, but it allows exceptions in rape, incest and other circumstances.

This story was originally published September 8, 2014 at 10:41 AM with the headline "Missouri poised to vote on 72-hour abortion wait."