Missouri Bill Seeks to Allow Pregnant Women to Divorce

A proposed bill in Missouri aims to overturn a 50-year-old law that prevents pregnant women from obtaining a divorce, citing concerns over domestic violence and reproductive coercion.

• A Missouri law currently prevents pregnant women from divorcing, but a new bill proposes to change that.
• The legislation, sponsored by Democratic state representative Ashley Aune, has bipartisan support.
• The law was initially intended to prevent the 'bastardization' of children but is now criticized for potentially enabling domestic violence.
• Synergy Services, a Missouri shelter, highlighted the law's role in trapping women in abusive relationships.
• If passed, the bill would allow courts to grant divorces to pregnant women, addressing concerns over domestic violence and reproductive coercion.

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