Missouri Bill Proposes Tracking Pregnancies of Women 'At Risk' of Seeking Abortion, Doesn't Specify What Constitutes 'At Risk'

A newly introduced bill in Missouri would create a state registry of pregnant women deemed "at risk" of seeking an abortion.

The factors which would be considered in identifying whom is at risk of seeking an abortion are not specified in the legislation.

House Bill 807, also called the "Save MO Babies Act," was introduced by Republican Rep. Phil Amato and aims to reduce the number of abortions in the state by monitoring expectant mothers and connecting them with adoption services. The registry would be maintained by the Maternal and Child Services division of the Department of Social Services and is set to take effect July 1, 2026, if passed.

The proposed registry would also include a list of approved adoptive parents who have undergone screenings such as background checks and home studies. A 10-member response team—appointed by Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe, the director of the Department of Social Services, and the state Supreme Court—would oversee the initiative.

While the bill's proponents argue it will help connect pregnant women with resources and adoption options, critics have raised concerns about privacy, government overreach, and the lack of clarity on how a woman would be deemed "at risk" of seeking an abortion.

The bill comes amid ongoing battles over abortion rights in Missouri. In November, voters narrowly approved a constitutional amendment protecting abortion access, nullifying the state's near-total ban that took effect after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. Meanwhile, lawmakers continue to push stricter abortion laws, including a proposal to ban abortions if a fetal heartbeat is detected, except in cases of medical emergencies.

HB807 is currently under review by the Children and Families Committee, with its next hearing scheduled for Wednesday.