Missouri's Law Prevents Pregnant Women from Finalizing Divorces

Legislation proposed to amend the rule, citing protection concerns for victims of domestic violence.

Missouri law prohibits finalizing divorces if the wife is pregnant, aiming to address paternity and child support after the baby's birth.
Rep. Ashley Aune introduced a bill to allow pregnant people to divorce or separate, potentially saving lives by preventing reproductive coercion.
The law, in place since 1973 and amended in 2016, has been criticized for trapping victims of domestic violence in abusive marriages.
Similar laws exist in Arizona, Arkansas, and Texas, but Missouri's strict stance has sparked significant debate.
Critics argue the law is outdated and fails to protect women, especially in cases of domestic violence.