Missouri Bill Providing Protections for Crisis Pregnancy Centers (HB 174)

HB 174 would prevent counties or municipalities from adopting any ordinances or other policies that regulate crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs).

The bill specifies that the constitutions and laws of the United States and Missouri must be interpreted, construed, applied, and enforced to fully protect the rights of an alternatives-to-abortion agency and its officers, agents, employees, and volunteers to freely assemble and to freely engage in religious practices and speech without governmental interference.

The bill authorizes the attorney general to bring a cause of action against any individual or entity that violates this provision.

CPCs have come under increased scrutiny over the last several years, as investigations have revealed that centers across the country have provided inaccurate information and neglected to follow proper medical protocols. (Source.)

Related Legislation

Companion bill to SB 41.

Similar HB 919, which failed to pass in 2015; SB 658 and HB 1103, both of which failed to pass in 2014; and SB 50 which failed to pass in 2013.

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