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Republicans, Democrats predictably split on abortion special session

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Reactions continued to stream in Thursday regarding Gov. Eric Greitens’ decision to call a second extraordinary session in as many months.

The session, which will add numerous regulations onto abortion practices and practitioners in the state of Missouri as well as preempt a St. Louis ordinance that some believe infringes upon employers and renters whose religious beliefs oppose abortion, has already been marked by a strong partisan divide.

Greitens brings legislators back for second special session

The Missouri Democratic Party called it “government intrusion” into women’s health decisions.

“Eric Greitens promised to do things differently, but holding an expensive emergency legislative session to threaten women’s access to health care is not only an unnecessary government intrusion into private sexual and reproductive health decisions, it’s exactly the type of establishment politics that’s driving unprecedented levels of grassroots enthusiasm,” MDP Chair Stephen Webber said.

House Minority Leader Gail McCann Beatty added Greitens could have avoided added special sessions by creating better working relationships with the legislature to pass his priorities through a House and Senate controlled by supermajorities of his fellow Republicans.

“Special sessions are supposed to be called only on ‘extraordinary occasions’ when immediate action is necessary. The governor’s failure to enact his agenda during the regular session falls well short of that high standard,” Beatty said. “Instead of wasting more taxpayer dollars on another expensive special session, Gov. Greitens should take the coming months to learn the legislative process and develop relationships with lawmakers so that he can competently do his job by the time the General Assembly reconvenes next year.”

Meanwhile, Republicans have applauded the special session. House Speaker Todd Richardson noted that Missouri is a pro-life state. Republicans largely won their historic supermajorities in the early 21st century in the state with appeals to social issues, including tougher restrictions on abortions.

“This legislative body is one that has consistently voted in overwhelming numbers for measures that protect the lives of the unborn,” Richardson said. “The members of the Missouri House are ready to return to work to uphold the values of Missouri families, and to advance policy solutions that will continue to make Missouri a state where women’s health is a priority and precious, innocent life is protected.”

The Missouri Republican Party also thanked Greitens for making the call.

“Gov. Greitens is fighting to protect the lives of women and the innocent unborn here in Missouri,” Austin Stukins, the executive director of the Missouri Republican Party, said. “It’s important that we have leaders who are willing to promote a culture of life. This is an important and historic pro-life special session that will protect the lives of Missourians.”