Blunt champions anti-abortion law in Cape

Missouri's new anti-abortion law will withstand a legal challenge and lead to fewer abortions in the state, Gov. Matt Blunt predicted Friday during a visit to the Crisis Pregnancy Center in Cape Girardeau.

Blunt held a ceremonial bill signing at the center at 354 Silver Springs Road, Suite E. The governor made seven scheduled stops around the state Thursday and Friday to champion the new law.

But a federal court case already has delayed the new law from taking effect. "I think it is disappointing," he said.

A federal judge has blocked implementation of the new law, signing a temporary restraining order.

The measure lets parents sue people who help their minor daughters get abortions without their consent and requires doctors performing abortions to have clinical privileges at nearby hospitals.

Blunt officially signed the bill into law last week.

At the Cape Girardeau pregnancy center, Blunt told a crowd of about 20 supporters that teenagers should abstain from sex.

"It really needs to be the central focus of talking to young people about sex education," Blunt said.

The privately funded Crisis Pregnancy Center offers free pregnancy tests and counsels pregnant women.

Blunt said he's willing to explore the possibility of legislation next session that would make crisis pregnancy centers like the one in Cape Girardeau eligible for tax credits.