State Representative Rick Brattin, of Missouri's 55th District, has proposed House Bill No. 131, that would require any woman seeking an abortion to have written, notarized consent from the man whom impregnated her, except in cases of "legitimate rape," where a woman must have "proof" that she was raped, such as a police report, before she will be granted her right to have an abortion.

This bill violates a woman's right to self-determination.  It violates a woman's right to make her own health and reproductive health care choices. This bill will essentially force a woman to rely on either the man whom impregnated her, or her local police department, to secure reproductive health care services for herself, thus effectively taking away the woman's right to choose and placing it in the hands of others, who will choose for her.

Only a woman can, and should, decide what is done with her body. Please stop this bill now.