JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Latest on Missouri’s special legislative session on abortion policy (all times local):
6 p.m.
A Missouri lawmaker says he posted a Facebook video of himself decapitating and butchering a chicken on his farm Monday to show he was working before being called back for a legislative session on abortion.
Republican state Rep. Mike Moon, an abortion opponent, makes a jab at Republican Gov. Eric Greitens in the video but says he’s ready to return to work and try to pass anti-abortion measures. Moon filed a bill Monday that he said in the video is designed to end abortion in Missouri.
This is the second time Greitens has called lawmakers back to the Capitol since the May end of their legislative session. Greitens has repeatedly criticized lawmakers as career politicians. Moon says the video shows he was working on his farm before returning to Jefferson City.
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5 p.m.
Missouri lawmakers have returned to the Capitol for a special legislative session on abortion.
The session began Monday.
Republican Gov. Eric Greitens says he called lawmakers back to the Capitol partly in response to a recent federal judge’s ruling that struck down some state abortion laws. The ruling invalidated requirements that doctors who perform abortions have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals, and that clinics meet hospital-like standards for outpatient surgery. Greitens says he wants lawmakers to pass more abortion laws in response.
Greitens also wants lawmakers to undo a St. Louis ordinance that bans discrimination in the workplace and in housing based on pregnancies, abortions and other “reproductive health decisions.”
Democratic opponents and groups such as Planned Parenthood have decried the session as a waste of money and an attack on women’s reproductive rights.
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3:45 p.m.
A Kansas City Democratic lawmaker is criticizing the Republican governor’s decision to call a special legislative session on abortion policy.
Before the session began Monday, state Sen. Jason Holsman slammed Gov. Eric Greitens, who has called lawmakers back to Jefferson City twice since their regular session ended in May.
Holsman said he plans to file legislation to allow Missouri residents to decide whether to keep lawmakers in Jefferson City year-round. The annual session runs from January to mid-May.
Holsman questioned whether changes to abortion law merit another special session. He called it a waste of taxpayer money.
The last session cost more than $66,000.
Greitens has said more abortion regulations are needed after a federal judge struck down some in May. Greitens also wants lawmakers to nullify a St. Louis ordinance that bans discrimination based on pregnancies or abortions.
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9 a.m.
Missouri lawmakers are returning to the Capitol for a special legislative session on abortion.
Republican Gov. Eric Greitens says a recent federal judge’s ruling that struck down some state abortion laws in part prompted his call for action. The ruling invalidated requirements that doctors who perform abortions have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals, and that clinics meet hospital-like standards for outpatient surgery. Greitens says he wants lawmakers to pass more abortion laws in response.
Greitens also wants lawmakers who begin meeting Monday to undo a St. Louis ordinance that bans discrimination in the workplace and in housing based on pregnancies, abortions and other “reproductive health decisions.”
Democratic opponents and groups such as Planned Parenthood have decried the session as a waste of money and an attack on women’s reproductive rights.
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