Missouri § 188.021 - RU-486, administration of, requirements — limitation on prescribing certain abortion-inducing drugs and chemicals, when, complication plan required — rulemaking authority.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 188.021 — RU-486, administration of, requirements — limitation on prescribing certain abortion-inducing drugs and chemicals, when, complication plan required — rulemaking authority., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 188.021. RU-486, administration of, requirements — limitation on prescribing certain abortion-inducing drugs and chemicals, when, complication plan required — rulemaking authority.
1. When RU-486 (mifepristone) or any drug or chemical is used for the purpose of inducing an abortion, the initial dose of the drug or chemical shall be administered in the same room and in the physical presence of the physician who prescribed, dispensed, or otherwise provided the drug or chemical to the patient. The physician inducing the abortion, or a person acting on such physician's behalf, shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure that the patient returns after the administration or use of RU-486 or any drug or chemical for a follow-up visit unless such termination of the pregnancy has already been confirmed and the patient's medical condition has been assessed by a licensed physician prior to discharge.
2. When the Food and Drug Administration label of any drug or chemical used for the purpose of inducing an abortion includes any clinical study in which more than one percent of those administered the drug or chemical required surgical intervention after its administration, no physician may prescribe or administer such drug or chemical to any patient without first obtaining approval from the department of health and senior services of a complication plan from the physician for administration of the drug or chemical to any patient. The complication plan shall include any information deemed necessary by the department to ensure the safety of any patient suffering complications as a result of the administration of the drug or chemical in question. No complication plan shall be required where the patient is administered the drug in a medical emergency at a hospital and is then treated as an inpatient at a hospital under medical monitoring by the hospital until the abortion is completed.
3. The department may adopt rules, regulations, and standards governing complication plans to ensure that patients undergoing abortions induced by drugs or chemicals have access to safe and reliable care. Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010, that is created under the authority delegated in this section shall become effective only if it complies with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536 and, if applicable, section 536.028. This section and chapter 536 are nonseverable and if any of the powers vested with the general assembly pursuant to chapter 536 to review, to delay the effective date, or to disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after October 24, 2017, shall be invalid and void.
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(L. 2013 H.B. 400, A.L. 2017 2d Ex. Sess. S.B. 5)
Effective 10-24-17
---- end of effective 24 Oct 2017 ----
Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 188.021
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 188.021 cover?
Section 188.021 ("RU-486, administration of, requirements — limitation on prescribing certain abortion-inducing drugs and chemicals, when, complication plan required — rulemaking authority.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, the codified statutory law of Missouri. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Missouri § 188.021?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 188.021" (Missouri). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Missouri law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Missouri official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Missouri attorney.
How does Missouri § 188.021 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Missouri can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.