Missouri senators reconvene to consider abortion bill

Thomas Jefferson's statue graces the south side of the Missouri Capitol.
Thomas Jefferson's statue graces the south side of the Missouri Capitol.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri senators have returned to the Capitol for a special session on abortion legislation.

Senators met Monday to take up work on a wide-ranging abortion bill.

It would impose new regulations on the procedure, including mandatory annual inspections of clinics by the state health department. It would make it a crime for abortion clinic staff to ask ambulances to respond to calls without lights or sirens. Supporters also say it's aimed at protecting pregnancy care centers from a St. Louis ordinance that bans discrimination based on reproductive health decisions.

Lawmakers are considering the bill during a special session focused on abortion policy called by Republican Gov. Eric Greitens.

House members passed the measure more than a month ago. Senate leaders say work has been delayed because of scheduling issues.