Crowell to file abortion-related bills

Abortion legislation will be at the top of state Sen. Jason Crowell's agenda for the upcoming legislative session.

Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, will file four bills today on topics ranging from the availability of drugs that terminate pregnancies to aiding pregnancy support centers.

Today is the first day lawmakers may file bills for the legislative session that begins Jan. 4.

The first bill would require Missourians to have a doctor's prescription to obtain Plan B, a pill that can prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of intercourse, Crowell said. The federal Food and Drug Administration currently has decided not to make the pill over-the-counter, but Crowell's proposal would preclude any later reverse ruling from applying in Missouri.

A companion proposal would allow pharmacists to refuse to fill prescriptions for any drug or other item they believe will be used to terminate a pregnancy.

"Just because you went to pharmacy school doesn't mean you have to check your conscience at the door," Crowell said.

A third bill would bar the use of any state funds for any health or social service program that directly or indirectly supports abortion. That would prevent agencies that receive state funds from advising women to have an abortion, he said.

The final proposal would allow a tax credit for people making contributions to pregnancy support centers. The 50 percent tax credit would be capped at $2 million total statewide annually, Crowell said.