- Introduced -

SB 1056 - This act requires informed consent at least twenty-four hours before an abortion. The current language of Section 188.039, RSMo, regarding consent is deleted. Except in an emergency, new language requires a physician to confer with the patient at least twenty-four hours before an abortion regarding the benefits and risks of the procedure. For an abortion induced by drugs, the conference must take place at least twenty-four hours before prescribing the drugs. The patient must be screened for risk factors prior to or during the conference. As the conference concludes, the physician and patient must sign a consent form, certifying the screening and discussion. The form will become part of the patient's medical file and will remain confidential. The Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services must develop a model consent form for physicians, however, lack of a model form will not affect the physician's duties to obtain consent.

This act is identical to HB 913 (2001).

ERIN MOTLEY