Missouri Senate Blocks Rape and Incest Exceptions in Abortion Ban

Senate Republicans in Missouri blocked Democratic efforts to legalize abortion in cases of rape or incest, maintaining the state's near-total abortion ban in place since June 2022. The Republicans also opened debate on a plan to ban Medicaid funds from Planned Parenthood, frustrating some members of their own party. The contentious debate highlighted the deep divide between the two parties on the issue of abortion, with Republicans voting down amendments seeking exceptions for rape and incest, while Democrats argued for loosening the strict abortion law.