- After strong opposition to his original proposal that included monitoring pregnant women through a registry, state Rep. Phil Amato introduced a new version focused on adoption. The bill aims to create a statewide network to connect expecting mothers with adoptive parents and reduce abortions through adoption.
- The proposed bill comes with a $40 million price tag for implementation, raising concerns about government spending and the potential for privacy issues.
- Lawmakers have reintroduced the bill but they have not scheduled any additional hearings or made a final decision on its future.
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A Missouri lawmaker has reworked his adoption bill after strong opposition to its original version, which included creating a registry to monitor pregnant women and girls. Fellow representatives raised concerns about the bill’s language, specifically the phrase “at risk for seeking an abortion,” and the potential for government overreach into personal spaces like an OBGYN’s office.
Missouri state Rep. Phil Amato, who introduced the original bill, faced pushback that led him to revisit his approach.
On March 25, Amato introduced a revised version, House Bill 1579, focused on helping expecting mothers considering adoption and connecting them with approved adoptive parents.
Missouri Adoptive Resources Services System
The revised bill aims to create the “Missouri Adoptive Resources Services System.” The system would create a statewide network to promote healthy births and reduce abortions by encouraging adoption.
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The legislation would establish registries to connect expecting mothers with adoptive parents, offering resources to support both parties. Amato said the process would be completely voluntary.
In drafting the bill, Amato worked with a seasoned adoption lawyer to create a more cost-effective and efficient alternative to existing systems. Some lawmakers believe the proposed system could compete with the private sector.
The Missouri Department of Social Services raised concerns, pointing out that many of the bill’s provisions duplicate state programs already in place.
The new division would also evaluate provider services and ensure effective case management to deliver high-quality support for mothers, fathers and children. Amato aims to fully implement the system by 2026, focusing on reducing abortions and providing a viable adoption alternative.
Cost and privacy concerns arise
The bill aims to address adoption and abortion rates in Missouri, where officials reported more than 3,600 abortions in 2021 and over 3,000 in 2022, but its potential cost has sparked controversy. A fiscal analysis of the bill estimates it would cost $40 million to implement.
Both Democrat and Republican members of the Child and Families House Committee have expressed concerns over the financial burden, including the costs for technology to build the registry and staffing for the new division.
Lawmakers also raised practical challenges, such as the difficulty of working with more than 170 hospitals, numerous maternity and OBGYN centers, and 115 health departments to collect the necessary data for the registry. Privacy issues and potential lawsuits also remain a concern.
Lawmakers have not scheduled a hearing or made a decision on the bill at this time.
