Missouri Governor lets late-term abortion ban become law without signature

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon did what he's done on some other pieces of prolife legislation, he choose not to sign or veto legislation which bans abortion after 20-weeks, which allows it to become law.

The constitutional deadline for signing or vetoing bills expires today, meaning any bills Nixon doesn't take action on will automatically become law.

The bill, which passed both the House and Senate by veto-proof margins, bans abortions performed after 20 weeks of gestation. The only exceptions would be if the fetus is not viable, if the life of the mother is in danger or if the mother risks “irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function.” Two physicians would be required to approve an abortion under those circumstances.

Doctors could be convicted of a felony and face a one-year prison sentence and a $50,000 fine if they perform an illegal abortion.