JEFFERSON CITY— A state senator wants Missouri to collect information from women about why they choose to have abortions.
Legislation by Sen. Tom Dempsey, R-St. Peters, would require doctors and clinics to ask women about the specific medical, social or economic reasons for seeking an abortion. Women would not have to respond.
Dempsey said it would be useful for policymakers to know if most abortions are sought because of relationship problems, finances, health concerns, a desire to limit family size, or a variety of other reasons.
Senators briefly discussed the bill Wednesday without taking a vote. The legislation also would expand the information provided to women during Missouri's 24-hour waiting period before abortions.