Written By Lou Lesinski
Contrary to popular belief, objections regarding the cruelty of abortion are not a new thing. Missouri has a long legislative history concerning this issue. As far back as the early 1800’s social movements have worked to end the practice, leading to Missouri becoming the second state to restrict abortion in 1825. Later, in 1907, new legislation strengthened the law and expanded the penalties, thus making abortion a felony offense.
Fast forward to present day; following the Supreme Court overturning of the infamous Roe v. Wade ruling, the Show Me State is once again at the forefront of this issue. This time around, we became the first state in the country to reinstate a law banning abortions. But the fight doesn’t end there. Currently there is a bill before the Missouri state legislature titled the “Abolition of Abortion in Missouri Act”(SB356) that wants to take the ban a step further. The intent of this law is similar to the 1907 law. It will again expand the penalties for performing an abortion to a felony charge. Perhaps more importantly, the bill also clarifies the status of the unborn child by defining them as a person, as a human being with the right to life. This definition includes an unborn child at every stage of development from the moment of fertilization until birth.
Although some have protested, fearing this law will go after women who have miscarriages or health complications, such fears are unfounded. The act clearly exempts doctors performing medical procedures to avert serious harm to a pregnant woman or the accidental and unintentional death of an unborn child. The new law also recognizes that as long as all reasonable alternatives to save the life of the unborn child have been taken, neither the mother nor the doctor is at fault. Ultimately, the intent of this bill is to ensure an unborn child has all the same rights, privileges, and immunities available to other persons, citizens, and residents of the state of Missouri. It will acknowledge the sanctity of innocent human life at every stage of development, protection for the most defenseless humans among us!
How Can You Help?
- Please click here to discover more about this vital issue.
- Contact your State Senator or State Representative to let them know your thoughts on the bill.
- Pray for the awe and respect of God to fall upon both our State House and State Senate officeholders and staff. Pray that God will expose any back-handed deals and thwart any ungodly activities in our legislature.