Missouri § 188.205 - Use of public funds prohibited, when.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 188.205 — Use of public funds prohibited, when., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 188.205. Use of public funds prohibited, when.
It shall be unlawful for any public funds to be expended for the purpose of performing or assisting an abortion, not necessary to save the life of the mother, or for the purpose of encouraging or counseling a woman to have an abortion not necessary to save her life.
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(L. 1986 H.B. 1596 § 2)
(1987) United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri Central Division, on March 17, 1987, held that section 188.205 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.).
(1988) United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit held that Missouri's ban on expenditure of public funds for purpose of performing or assisting abortions is constitutional but the portion of the section which prohibits the use of public funds for encouraging or counseling a woman to have an abortion is void for vagueness. Reproductive Health Services v. William L. Webster, 851 F.2d 1071 (8th Cir.).
(1989) Where state interpretation of statute was that it was not directed at primary conduct of physicians or health care providers but was simply instruction to state's fiscal officers not to allocate public funds for abortion counseling, state-employed health professionals and private nonprofit corporations providing abortion services were no longer adversely affected by section and there was no longer case or controversy before a court. Webster v. Reproductive Health Services, 109 S.Ct. 3040.
---- end of effective 28 Aug 1986 ----
Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 188.205
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 188.205 cover?
Section 188.205 ("Use of public funds prohibited, when.") 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 § 188.205?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 188.205" (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 § 188.205 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.