Outdated Missouri legislation impedes divorce for expectant mothers, disregarding instances of domestic violence

In the heart of the United States, Missouri has made headlines for its stringent stance on reproductive health and autonomy. Following the overturning of Roe v Wade in 2022, the state proudly banned abortion, and now, it has taken another concerning step.

Ashley Aune, a Democratic legislator in Missouri, was taken aback to discover that women were prohibited from completing a divorce if they were pregnant. This law not only impedes the legal dissolution of marriages but also perpetuates cycles of abuse and control while trapping pregnant women in dangerous situations.

Similar restrictions exist in Arizona, Arkansas, and Texas, and judges in seven other states are reluctant to approve divorces when one spouse is pregnant. According to a 2023 report by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, there have been alarming rates of pregnancy-related homicides between 2018 and 2022. Shockingly, 75 per cent of these fatalities occurred among Black women, highlighting a concerning disparity in maternal mortality rates.

The origins of the Missouri statute can be traced back to 1973, aiming to ensure the welfare of mothers and children. However, the law has evolved into a glaring example of systemic oppression and reproductive coercion, a tactic employed by abusers to control their victims' reproductive autonomy.

A Democratic legislator in Missouri, Ashley Aune, is advocating for House Bill 2402 to grant family court judges the discretion to expedite divorces in cases of pregnancy. If enacted, this bill could empower survivors of abusive relationships to reclaim their agency and break free from the shackles of abuse.

The erosion of the constitutional right to abortion has led to a dramatic 99% increase in calls to the National Hotline for Domestic Violence. Lawmakers in Missouri are waging a war on women's autonomy under the guise of "protecting life," conveniently turning a blind eye to the dangers of reproductive coercion and domestic violence.

The fight for reproductive justice is inseparable from the broader struggle for gender equality and liberation, as emphasized by pioneering feminist icons like Gloria Steinem and Audre Lorde. The Missouri law serves as a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure reproductive rights and justice for all.

Beyond Missouri, several other U.S. states have restrictions that delay or limit divorce proceedings if the person involved is pregnant, but specific states with laws exactly mirroring Missouri's restrictions are not clearly identified in the available information. A precise list would require state-by-state legal review.

The law effectively functions as a ban on divorce for pregnant individuals, leaving them vulnerable to continued abuse and manipulation. The fight for reproductive justice continues, and it's a fight that must be won.

Outdated Missouri legislation impedes divorce for expectant mothers, disregarding instances of domestic violence