MO Statehouse

 A Missouri state senator was being examined at a Jefferson City hospital after becoming light-headed during a debate on education issues.

Jane Cunningham (R, Chesterfield) was driven to St. Mary's Health Center by her chief of staff Wednesday afternoon.  The aide said Cunningham underwent tests in the emergency room Wednesday evening, then was admitted to the hospital and planned to stay overnight.

Sen. Rob Schaaf (R, St. Joseph), who is also a family physician, says Cunningham complained of being light-headed but did not appear to have more serious symptoms.

Updated 4:32 p.m. with statement from Nasheed.

Mo. State Rep. Jamilah Nasheed announced her run against incumbent State Sen. Robin Wright-Jones in January - but now it seems Nasheed may be leaving the ticket, at a judge's orders.

In a decision handed down today, St. Louis Circuit Court Judge Joan Moriarty ruled that Nasheed is ineligible to run for the state Senate spot due to residency requirements. (You can also read the full decision below)

The Missouri House has approved legislation allowing health care providers to refuse to participate in some tasks that violate their religious or ethical beliefs.

Wednesday's 117-37 vote sends the bill back to the Senate to consider changes made by the House.

The measure prohibits punishment of doctors, nurses and other health care workers who refuse to participate in contraception, abortions, embryonic stem cell research and certain other procedures or research.

The bill also says pharmacies cannot be required to supply particular medications or devices, and protects employers and health plan providers from being forced to provide coverage for abortion, contraception or sterilization.