SPRINGFIELD -- Both Republican candidates for governor were here today to unveil dueling anti-abortion proposals. Congressman Kenny Hulshof and State Treasurer Sarah Steelman both are vying for conservative votes in the Republican primary election in August, so there’s no better place to tout their anti-abortion credentials than here in southwest Missouri.

Steelman called on Gov. Matt Blunt to call a special legislative session this fall to pass an anti-abortion measure that would punish people for mentally or physically "coercing an abortion."

Planned Parenthood says this bill is political and says the 24-hour waiting period for women to have an abortion is sufficient.

“If the call for a special session goes unheeded, it will be a top priority for my administration on the first day I take office,” said Steelman.

Hulshof also supports this bill but he stopped short of calling for a special legislative session to pass it.

Hulshof’s top proposal is establishing a statewide umbilical cord blood bank to help treat dozens of different diseases. Umbilical cord blood is a significant source of stem cells but these cells don't involve embryos.

“I think doing this and focusing on a statewide blood bank will help ensure Missouri continues to be on the cutting edge as far as providing this research, not only developing real results but in a way that doesn't put us in a quandary that has tough moral and ethical questions,” said Hulshof.

The pro-life constituency is a key one in this Republican primary for governor and a representative from Missouri Right to Life says that organization will endorse a candidate within the month.