JEFFERSON CITY – Today, Senator Bob Onder, R-Lake St. Louis, filed the Women’s Health and Clinic Safety Act.
Senator Onder stated, “This act will protect Missouri women from substandard health and sanitation practices in abortion clinics, an issue dramatized by the conditions at Dr. Kermitt Gosnell’s Philadelphia clinic. The act also strengthens reporting requirements for fetal tissue disposal, a need that was highlighted by revelations uncovered by the Senate Sanctity of Life Committee investigation in 2015.”
The proposed bill states that no person shall knowingly donate or make an anatomical gift of fetal organs or tissue resulting from an abortion. The bill requires that all fetal organs and tissue removed at the time of abortion be sent to the pathologist for examination while also outlining what the pathologist must include in his or her report regarding the same, and clarifies procedures for how the Department of Health handles these reports.
Protections for whistleblowers who report violations of law regarding the handling of fetal organs and yearly on-site inspections of abortion clinics are also required under the act.
Sen. Onder’s legislation has the support of Missouri Right to Life and other prolife organizations.
“Missouri Right to Life is honored to be working with Senator Bob Onder and all our pro-life Senators as we begin the 2017 legislative session. We look forward to the passage of the ‘Women’s Health and Clinic Safety Act’. This legislation will provide protection for women by ensuring an annual inspection and require accountability from abortion clinics for all abortions. We look forward to the passage of the bill,” said Susan Klein, Legislative Liaison for Missouri Right to Life.
Senator Onder also prefiled legislation to protect victims of human trafficking. Pre-filing of Senate Bills runs through Jan. 4, 2016, the first day of the legislative session.