Missouri law prevents divorce during pregnancy – even in cases of violence
Missouri law prevents divorce during pregnancy – even in cases of violence
The statute, which can lead to reproductive coercion in a state that has banned abortion, has recently gained nationwide attention
cross-posted from: https://sh.itjust.works/post/16271143
Under a Missouri statute that has recently gained nationwide attention, every petitioner for divorce is required to disclose their pregnancy status. In practice, experts say, those who are pregnant are barred from legally dissolving their marriage. “The application [of the law] is an outright ban,” said Danielle Drake, attorney at Parks & Drake. When Drake learned her then husband was having an affair, her own divorce stalled because she was pregnant. Two other states have similar laws: Texas and Arkansas.
Nothing says pro-life like forcing someone, especially someone who is pregnant, to stay in a violent, potentially deadly situation.
Explain how this forces a woman to stay in the situation. These laws only prevent finalizing a divorce. Because the state may want questions answered at the time of birth. Circumstances may change, etc.
https://www.custodyxchange.com/topics/divorce/divorce-while-pregnant.php
In any case, women in these states are perfectly free to begin divorce proceedings, which can easily take many months. Given that, I doubt this applies to many situations. My divorce took so long we could have easily gotten pregnant again and had the child before it was over.
I have yet to hear an argument as to how this blocks a woman's freedom or otherwise hurts her. In fact, given some of the questions in the above link, getting a divorce before birth could cause a women extra grief.
What good does this law do? Sounds like in a best case scenario it makes divorces take longer and cost more money on legal fees.