As it stands, Missouri judges cannot legally finalize a divorce if a woman is pregnant.
Three other states have similar laws: Texas, Arizona, and Arkansas. While a couple can still file for divorce in Missouri, the court must wait until after a woman gives birth in order to finalize child custody and child support.
When it comes to domestic violence, there’s no exceptions.
“It just doesn’t make sense in 2024,” said State Rep. Ashley Aune, a Democrat representing District 14 in Platte County, and that’s where it becomes a problem for her.
She introduced a bill this legislative session that essentially says pregnancy cannot prevent a judge from finalizing a divorce or separation.
“I just want moms in difficult situations to get out if they need to,” she said.
@Ind3pendentSheepGreen3mos3MO
So if you are in Missouri, Arkansas, or Texas & your husband is beating you & you get pregnant, YOU CAN’T DIVORCE HIM until after the baby is born.
Every day, a step closer to the Republic of Gilead
@PleasedApplesWorking Family3mos3MO
Best plan for women in those states... DO NOT get married.
@ArtisticPacifistSocialist3mos3MO
Many states hold any baby born within a legal marriage automatically attributes fatherhood to the husband; divorce would break that attribution.
Texas was likely trying to keep fathers accountable to single pregnant women.
But with the advances of DNA, these laws are antiquated.
@PleasedApplesWorking Family3mos3MO
Brutal. There are states i would not live in as a woman...or man for that matter but specially as a woman.
@ArtisticPacifistSocialist3mos3MO
Handmaid's tale here we come
@ISIDEWITH3mos3MO
@ISIDEWITH3mos3MO
