Abortion laws in Missouri
Abortion is allowed in Missouri until viability, about 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Data last updated .
How far into pregnancy
- Abortion is banned once the fetus could survive outside the uterus ("viability"), about 24 weeks of pregnancy.
- Pregnancy is counted from the first day of your last period, not from conception.
- Exceptions after that point: to save your life; to protect your physical health (not mental health).
- A procedure called intact dilation and extraction (D&X) is banned.
Waiting periods and clinic visits
- You must have an ultrasound before your abortion.
- Good to know: The state does not have a waiting period requirement, but requires an in-person visit for medication abortion to confirm gestational duration.
Abortion pills by telehealth
- You can get abortion pills through telehealth, but some steps, such as an exam or picking up the pills, must happen in person.
If you're under 18
- If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be told and must give permission.
- If you can't involve a parent, you can ask a judge for permission instead. This is called a judicial bypass, and free legal help is available.
- Good to know: Missouri law requires the consenting parent to notify the other parent in writing with some exceptions.
Insurance coverage
- Medicaid (public health insurance) pays for abortion only in the limited cases federal law requires.
- Private health plans can cover abortion only when your life is in danger.
- Plans bought on the ACA marketplace can cover abortion only when your life is in danger.
Penalties and legal risk
- Breaking the abortion ban is a felony, a serious crime that can mean prison time.
- Doctors and other licensed providers who violate the ban can lose their license or face other discipline.
- For advice about your own situation, the Repro Legal Helpline offers free, confidential legal help.
Legal protections
- Voters added abortion rights to the state constitution.
Get help
- Find a provider near you: AbortionFinder
- Find verified clinics: I Need an A
- Free, confidential legal help: Repro Legal Helpline · 844-868-2812
- Help paying for care: National Abortion Federation Hotline · 1-800-772-9100
- Medical questions about abortion or miscarriage: M+A Hotline · 1-833-246-2632
This is a summary of state law, not legal advice. Laws change, and an update to this data can also be a correction.