Missouri governor vetos bill requiring 72-hour wait times for abortions

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., July 2 (UPI) -- Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon used his gubernatorial veto power to kill new legislation that would require women to wait 72 hours before having an abortion. The bill made no exception for cases of rape and incest.

In his written veto, Nixon said the bill intentionally sought "to create emotional and financial hardships for women," adding its overall tone is "insulting to women."

"[The bill] presupposes that women are unable to make up their own minds without further government intervention...A woman should have the ability to make private medical decisions with her doctor -- including the decision of whether to have an abortion. She should not be blocked from receiving medical care for an extended period of time just because some politicians disagree with her decision."

Nixon also objected to the lack of exception for victims of rape and incest, saying "This glaring omission is wholly insensitive to women who find themselves in horrific circumstances, and demonstrates a callous disregard for their well-being."