Missouri Legislature Overrides Governor's Veto of Informed Consent Law.

Overriding Gov. Bob Holden's veto, the Missouri state legislature overwhelmingly passed a law allowing women to receive detailed medical information and then reflect for 24 hours before having an abortion. >TXThe law is scheduled to go into effect October 11, but pro-abortion groups have filed a lawsuit that may delay its enactment.

"Women in any crisis situation deserve the right to sit down with a physician to have a medical consultation about their personal situation," said Pam Manning, president of Missouri Right to Life. "The law offers women a reasonable opportunity to reflect on how abortion will affect their lives."

With an exception for cases of medical emergency, the law requires an abortionist to confer with the woman at least 24 hours before an abortion can occur. The law states that an abortionist must discuss "the indicators and contra-indicators, and risk factors, including any physical, psychological, or situational factors for the proposed procedure." The woman must also be informed about any medications that will be used, and evaluated for possible complications from the abortion.

The law overwhelmingly passed both the House and Senate and was sent to the governor May 21. Gov. Holden vetoed the bill July 9, asserting that "the rights of women have been compromised," according to the ...