JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Patty Lewis, D-Kansas City, and Rep. Tara Peters, R-Rolla, have filed companion bills for the 2025 legislative session aimed at drastically increasing women’s access to quality health care services.
The same legislation was called a “game changer for women’s health care” by a Missouri House of Representatives colleague in 2024 as it neared the finish line. Senator Lewis and Rep. Peters are hopeful continued efforts in 2025 will move the legislation on to the governor’s desk to receive his signature.
Senator Lewis’ Senate Bill 178 and Rep. Peters’ House Bill 398 update state mammogram notices; increase access to contraception; ensure health care facilities are properly equipped to conduct sexual assault forensic exams; and treat and prevent sexually transmitted infections, including congenital syphilis, at a time when rates are rapidly increasing in Missouri.
During the 2024 session, House Bill 2413, made up of provisions from senators and representatives from both parties, failed to receive the final vote needed for passage. However, the bill was co-sponsored by several representatives and gained broad bipartisan support in both chambers. Organizations from the State Medical Association to the Rural Health Association expressed strong support for the legislation.
“We have to reduce congenital syphilis rates in Missouri and improve maternal-child health in our state,” said Sen. Lewis, a veteran nurse by trade. “This is the vehicle for it and it’s truly a bipartisan win for all of us.”
“This bill should already be law today,” said Rep. Peters. “A big group of us worked on this, because its need and value are clear. It’s something we can all agree on. I’m excited to have Sen. Lewis in the Senate chamber this year so together, we can get this done for Missouri.”
Representative Dave Griffith, R-Jefferson City, who cosponsored the 2024 bill, added, “Good policy comes from ideas from both sides of the aisle.”
Both bills have taken initial steps in their respective chambers, with HB 398 having been second read in the House of Representatives and SB 178 having been first read in the Senate.
Please visit Sen. Lewis’ official Missouri Senate website for more information on her legislative agenda at senate.mo.gov/Lewis.