( CNN ) -- Missouri lawmakers gave final approval to a measure that requires a woman to wait 72 hours from her initial doctor 's visit before she gets an abortion . The Republican-controlled House voted 111-39 in favor of the legislation late Wednesday . Gov . Jay Nixon , a Democrat , has not said whether he 'll sign it . If the governor signs the bill into law , it will triple the time a woman has to wait to have an abortion in the state . `` Currently , Missouri requires a 24-hour waiting period between the time a woman seeks her first consultation and exam from a physician and the time she returns to undergo an abortion procedure , '' state Rep. Kevin Elmer said in a statement . Elmer , who sponsored the bill known as HB1307 , said the legislation would give the woman more time to review her decision . `` This bill is a way to give a potential mother some additional time to think about this life-altering decision , and to talk to family and friends who can help provide support during what is undoubtedly a difficult and emotional time , '' Elmer said in a statement . `` This bill is really an effort to balance the rights of the mother with the rights of the unborn child . We are not denying the mother her rights , but simply asking her to give more thought before making a decision that she may later regret . '' Abortion rights advocates slammed the bill , describing it as an intrusion on personal lives . `` Governor Nixon must veto this bill and stand firmly with a woman 's right to make her own private medical decisions , including the decision of whether to have an abortion , in consultation with her doctor , '' said Cecile Richards , president of Planned Parenthood Action Fund . But anti-abortion group Missouri Right to Life said the measure is long overdue . It `` will save babies and protect all women , both adults and minors , from abortion clinics seeking to make a profit on an abortion , '' it said in a statement . The Missouri Senate approved the bill Tuesday in a 22-9 vote after Democrats decided to forgo a filibuster , CNN affiliate KOMU reported . If it 's signed into law , Missouri will join South Dakota and Utah , both of which have a 72-hour waiting period .
The Republican - controlled House voted 55 - 39 in favor of the bill . Gov . Jay Nixon , a Democrat , has not said whether he will sign it . It currently has a mandatory waiting period .