A long-standing Missouri law that bars pregnant women from finalizing divorces is facing renewed scrutiny as Democratic lawmakers seek its overturn.
Since 1973, Missouri statute has enforced a prohibition on finalizing any divorce while the wife is pregnant, with the intention of addressing custody and child support matters before the dissolution of the marriage is completed.
Now, Ashley Aune, a Missouri state representative, is spearheading legislative efforts to overturn the ban, as reported by Fox 4 Kansas City.
“It just doesn’t make sense in 2024,” Ms. Aune remarked to the outlet, highlighting recent testimony from a woman unable to divorce her abusive spouse.
“Not only was she being physically and emotionally abused, but there was reproductive coercion used. When she found out she was pregnant and asked a lawyer if she could get a divorce, she was essentially told no.
“It was so demoralizing for her to hear that. She felt she had no options.”
The Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, based in Jefferson City, supports the proposed change, citing its potential to “literally save lives.”
Matthew Huffman, chief public affairs officer, pointed out that abusive partners often employ “reproductive coercion” to maintain control, using pregnancy as a means to hinder their spouses from seeking divorce.
Following Fox 4’s report on Monday, which shed light on Missouri’s pregnancy divorce ban, previously unknown to many, the story gained traction on social media platforms, including Reddit and X (formerly known as Twitter).
The law reportedly lacks exceptions for cases involving domestic violence, Fox 4 noted.
Similar laws are purportedly in place in Arkansas, California, and Texas, while other states either technically allow divorce during pregnancy but make it practically challenging or impose restrictions.
Ms. Aune has previously voiced criticism against Missouri’s Republican state legislative majority, particularly regarding their passing of a dress code requiring women to cover their arms in the legislative chamber.
