EXPLAINER: Missouri State Rep. discusses misinformation in recent abortion bill

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KY3) - A Missouri House of Representatives member is speaking out about his bill that deals with abortions and telemedicine.

“House Bill 2810 creates the offense of trafficking, abortion-inducing devices and or drugs for the purpose of inducing an abortion on another person in violation of state or federal law,” said State Rep. Brian Seitz (R-Branson).

In this instance, trafficking means getting these drugs or devices online.

”This has to do with telemedicine, with the advent of telemedicine. It’s a lot easier to get an abortion, inducing drugs and things like that,” said State Rep. Seitz.

In the original bill language, it mentioned ectopic pregnancies, which can be life-threatening. State Rep. Brian Seitz says he filed an amendment to clear that up.

”The amendment basically clarifies what’s stated in the bill. We are in no way stopping the treatment of ectopic pregnancies that has to be treated. The life of the woman could be in danger, and that’s the current state and federal law that those abortions can be treated. We need to continue that,” said State Rep. Seitz.

Rep. Ian Mackey (D-St. Louis) does not agree with the bill.

”His legislation seeks to prevent abortion from taking place, necessary life-saving abortion from taking place in those instances,” said Mackey.

He says this is similar to one passed in 2019.

”That’s similar language to House Bill 126 that we passed, essentially to overturn Roe v. Wade in our state a few years ago in 2019. No exceptions for rape or incest in that bill either. And in this bill, though, the difference is (State) Representative Seitz specifically proposed Class A felony,” said Mackey.

The bill is in committee.

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