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Missouri Governor Signs Law Ending Pregnancy-Based Divorce Delays

The change removes a court barrier that could keep pregnant people in abusive marriages.

Overview

  • HB 1908, which Gov. Mike Kehoe signed Tuesday, bars courts from postponing a divorce or legal separation because a spouse is pregnant.
  • The law takes effect Aug. 28, 2026, and makes clear that pregnancy status cannot block a final judgment.
  • Lawmakers passed the measure with unanimous votes in both chambers after a similar bill stalled last year.
  • Rep. Cecelie Williams, a domestic-violence survivor, led the push with bipartisan partners Rep. Raychel Proudie and Sen. Jill Carter, with House Minority Leader Ashley Aune also backing it.
  • The reform updates a 1970s disclosure rule that had prompted judges to wait for birth to set custody, a practice critics said trapped victims, and similar delays have been common in a few states such as Texas.