Mo. Rev. Stat. § 188.039 – Consent, form, content — coercion prohibited — woman to be informed of certain facts, when

1. No physician shall perform an abortion unless, prior to such abortion, the physician certifies in writing that the woman gave her informed consent, freely and without coercion, after the attending physician had informed her of the information contained in subsection 2 of this section and shall further certify in writing the pregnant woman's age, based upon proof of age offered by her.
2. In order to insure that the consent for an abortion is truly informed consent, no abortion shall be performed or induced upon a pregnant woman unless she has signed a consent form that shall be supplied by the state department of health and senior services, acknowledging that she has been informed by the attending physician of the following facts:
1. (1) That according to the best medical judgment of her attending physician whether she is or is not pregnant;
2. (2) The particular risks associated with the abortion technique to be used;
3. (3) Alternatives to abortion shall be given by the attending physician.
3. The physician may inform the woman of any other material facts or opinions, or provide any explanation of the above information which, in the exercise of his best medical judgment, is reasonably necessary to allow the woman to give her informed consent to the proposed abortion, with full knowledge of its nature and consequences.

(L. 1979 H.B. 523, et al., A.L. 1986 H.B. 1596)

(1981) The 48-hour waiting period required by subsection 1 of this section is unconstitutional. Planned Parenthood v. Ashcroft, (8th Cir.) 655 F.2d 848.

(1981) The informed consent provision requiring notice to parents and the provisions for informed consent under subsection 2 are unconstitutional. Planned Parenthood v. Ashcroft, (8th Cir.) 655 F.2d 848.

(1987) United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri Central Division, on March 17, 1987, held that section 188.039 was unconstitutional and the state was permanently enjoined from enforcing this provision. Reproductive Health Services v. William L. Webster, 655 F.Supp. 1300 (W.D. Mo.). The portion of the order enjoining the enforcement of this section was not appealed.