FIRST REGULAR SESSION
93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES HARRIS (110) (Sponsor) BRINGER, LeVOTA, HENKE, WILDBERGER, CUNNINGHAM (86), BROWN (50), SALVA, ROORDA, MEADOWS, CASEY, SCHOEMEHL, YAEGER, ROBINSON, SWINGER, SELBY, BARNITZ, BURNETT, WAGNER, WALSH, SPRENG, VILLA, SHOEMYER, MEINERS, DOUGHERTY, LIESE, RUCKER, KUESSNER, KRATKY, GEORGE, LEMBKE AND MOORE (Co-sponsors).
Read 1st time March 15, 2005 and copies ordered printed.
STEPHEN S. DAVIS, Chief Clerk
AN ACT
To amend chapter 188, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to alternatives to abortion services.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:
Section A. Chapter 188, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 188.325, to read as follows:
188.325. 1. There is hereby established the "Missouri Alternatives to Abortion Program" in either or both the departments of social services or health and senior services, as designated by appropriations to either or both departments. The alternatives to abortion program shall consist of services or counseling to pregnant women and continuing for one year after birth to assist women in carrying their unborn children to term instead of having abortions, and to assist women in caring for their dependent children or placing their children for adoption.
2. Services provided under the alternatives to abortion program shall include, but not be limited to the following:
(1) Prenatal care;
(2) Medical and mental health care;
(3) Parenting skills;
(4) Drug and alcohol testing and treatment;
(5) Child care, and newborn and infant care;
(6) Housing and utilities;
(7) Educational services;
(8) Food, clothing, and supplies relating to pregnancy, newborn care, and parenting;
(9) Adoption assistance;
(10) Job training and placement;
(11) Establishing and promoting responsible paternity;
(12) Ultrasound services;
(13) Case management;
(14) Domestic abuse protection; and
(15) Transportation.
3. Actual provision and delivery of services and counseling shall be dependent on client needs and not otherwise prioritized by the department or departments. Services and counseling shall be available only during pregnancy and continuing for one year after birth, and shall exclude any family planning services.
4. The department or departments to which the alternatives to abortion program is assigned shall establish and implement an ongoing advertising campaign publicizing alternatives to abortion within the state, including alternatives to abortion agencies within the state and the alternatives to abortion program and materials prepared under this section. Such advertising campaign may utilize, but shall not be limited to, the following media: television, radio, outdoor advertising, newspapers, magazines, and other print media, web sites, and the Internet. The department or departments may contract with professional advertising agencies or other professional entities to conduct such advertising campaign on behalf of the department.
5. The department or departments shall to the greatest extent possible supplement and match moneys appropriated for the alternatives to abortion program with federal and other public moneys and with private moneys. The department or departments shall prioritize such additional federal, other public, and private moneys so that they are used first for the alternatives for abortion program.
6. The alternatives to abortion program and the moneys expended under this section shall not be used to perform or induce, assist in the performing or inducing of or refer for abortions. Moneys expended under this section shall not be granted to organizations or affiliates of organizations that perform or induce, assist in the performing or inducing of or refer for abortions.