Missouri Lawmakers Approve Abortion Wait Period

Women wanting abortions in Missouri may soon have to wait longer since lawmakers approved legislation requiring a 72-hour wait period before the procedure is done.

The House voted Wednesday, 111-39, in favor of extending the current 24-hour waiting period to three days.

"This bill is a way to give a potential mother some additional time to think about this life-altering decision, and to talk to family and friends who can help provide support during what is undoubtedly a difficult and emotional time," Rep. Kevin Elmer, R-Miss., said in a statement.

The new 72 hour time frame wouldn't apply in cases of medical emergencies, but would be applied in cases of rape or incest.

Abortion rights advocates criticized the bill.

"Governor Nixon must veto this bill and stand firmly with a woman's right to make her own private medical decisions, including the decision of whether to have an abortion, in consultation with her doctor," Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, said.

Missouri's Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon has not yet said whether he will sign or veto the measure.