Missouri Republican seeks exceptions to near-total abortion ban, including for rape and incest cases

By SUMMER BALLENTINE
Associated Press

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri Republican wants exceptions to the state’s near-total abortion ban. Jamie Corley of suburban St. Louis filed constitutional amendments Wednesday to allow abortions in cases of rape, incest and fatal abnormalities until fetal viability. Viability is typically around 24 weeks. Corley also proposed allowing abortions for any reason up to 12 weeks into pregnancy. Missouri now only allows abortions for medical emergencies. Another campaign is working to enshrine abortion rights in Missouri’s constitution. But that proposal has been tied up in battles with the Republican attorney general and secretary of state.