US EditionMissouri Bill Allowing Divorce for Pregnant Women Heads to Governor
The measure aims to protect pregnant individuals, including domestic violence survivors, as one in six abused women are first harmed during pregnancy, March of Dimes reports.
- The Missouri Senate unanimously approved legislation on Tuesday clarifying that pregnant women can finalize divorce, sending the bill to Gov. Mike Kehoe as the first non-budget bill this year.
- Current Missouri law is often interpreted as preventing divorce finalization until after a child is born to establish custody agreements, creating barriers for women seeking to leave abusive partners during pregnancy.
- Rep. Cecelie Williams told the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee on Monday that partner violence is the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths; one in six abused women are first harmed during pregnancy.
- The House unanimously approved the bill last month, sponsored by Rep. Cecelie Williams and Rep. Raychel Proudie, after identical legislation died last year following an amendment by Sen. Mike Moon.
- Williams reiterated her belief that the bill will prevent some abortions, positioning the measure to avoid procedural setbacks that derailed identical legislation during the previous session.
10 Articles
10 Articles
Red state moves to end divorce roadblock that keeps women stuck with abusers
The Missouri Senate unanimously approved legislation Tuesday clarifying that pregnant women can get divorced, making it the first non-budget bill to be sent to Gov. Mike Kehoe this year.The bill, filed by state Reps. Cecelie Williams, a Republican from Dittmer, and Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson, also received unanimous approval in the House last month.Williams, a domestic violence survivor, first shared her harrowing story of being d…
Missouri Independent
KOMU 8Bill clarifying women’s right to divorce while pregnant heads to Missouri governor
State Rep. Cecelie Williams, a Republican from Dittmer, testifies before a House committee during the 2025 legislative session. (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).The Missouri Senate unanimously approved legislation Tuesday clarifying that pregnant women can get divorced, making it the first non-budget bill to be sent to Gov. Mike Kehoe this year. The bill, filed by state Reps. Cecelie Williams, a Republican from Dittmer, and Raychel P…
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