Senator from Newton leads passage of bill allowing dissolution while pregnant in cases of violence

The Missouri Senate approved a House committee substitute for House Bills 19‑08 and 23‑37 on third reading, a measure the sponsor said will allow people facing domestic violence to obtain a judgment of dissolution or legal separation even if they are pregnant.

Senator from Newton, in presenting the bill on the floor, said the measure "will allow women in situations where there is violence to be able to get a divorce even though they are pregnant." She described it as a bipartisan effort that was nearly passed in the prior legislative session and framed it as protecting people from being compelled to seek abortions "simply because they are married and seeking a divorce in cases of violence."

The bill was moved to third reading, explained briefly by the sponsor and then put to a roll call. The secretary recorded 29 yeas and 0 nays; "The bill having received a constitutional majority is declared passed," the clerk announced.

Supporters said the measure clarifies an option for victims of domestic violence and provides a legal path without forcing an urgent choice about pregnancy. Opponents did not rise for extended debate during third reading on the floor.

The Senate completed the formalities for titling and perfecting the motion before the bill was declared passed and recorded in the journal. The next procedural steps will follow the normal enrollment and any subsequent enrollment or signature requirements before it becomes law.