The Missouri Senate has taken up a proposal to lengthen the waiting period for abortions from the current 24 hours to 72 hours.
The state's informed consent law mandates a waiting period for a woman to have an abortion after initially seeing a doctor. Women with medical emergencies would remain exempt.
The Senate began debate on the bill Wednesday but adjourned for the day without taking a vote. Separate legislation also has been endorsed by a House committee.
South Dakota and Utah require a 72-hour wait before an abortion. Utah enacted its requirement in 2012. South Dakota's measure passed in 2011 and took effect last year after a legal challenge was dropped.
