Missouri passes parental rights in do-not-resuscitate cases

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri lawmakers have passed a bill that could give parents and guardians greater rights in end-of-life decisions involving children.

The House gave final approval Monday to "Simon's Law" -- named for a St. Louis boy with a rare genetic disorder who died at 3 months old in 2010. His parents said they discovered later hospital employees did not try to save their son's life because a doctor had issued a do-not-resuscitate order without their knowledge.

The legislation prohibits medical personnel from instituting do-not-resuscitate orders for those younger than 18 without the consent of at least one parent or legal guardian.

Simon's mother, Sheryl Crosier, emotionally thanked Missouri lawmakers Monday as she watched them vote on the bill.

Kansas became the first state to enact a similar law in 2017.