JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - A Missouri House member frustrated with recent legislative debates over birth control and reproductive health is proposing to restrict vasectomies.

Legislation sponsored by Democrat Stacey Newman would allow vasectomies only when necessary to protect a man from serious injury or death. Vasectomies would have to be performed in a hospital, ambulatory surgery center or health facility licensed by the state Department of Health and Senior Services.

The Missouri House last week approved a resolution objecting to the federal health care law and a requirement that most employers or insurers cover contraceptives.

Newman, who's from St. Louis County, says that such issues affect women the most. She says men also must make family planning decisions.

Similar legislation has been filed in Georgia.

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Vasectomy restrictions is HB1853

Online:

Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov