May 16 is the final day for this year’s legislative session. As I write, 32 pro-life bills are being considered. With bipartisan pro-life majorities in both houses of the Missouri legislature, we are hopeful that many of these bills will become law. And those laws will save lives.
While Missouri Right to Life works hard to pass these life-saving measures, we would have little chance of success if it hadn’t been for what you – a pro-life citizen of Missouri – have done
It is your votes for pro-life legislators that have made this possible.
Missouri has been a leader in enacting life-saving legislation. It was the 1989 U. S. Supreme Court decision in Webster v. Reproductive Health Services, in which the court upheld a Missouri law, that made possible the subsequent deluge of state laws across the country.
It was the language of the Missouri law banning partial-birth abortion that was used as the model for the successful ban at the federal level after two failed attempts with different language.
The 2013 omnibus pro-life bill in Texas that received nation-wide attention contained laws already
passed in Missouri – requiring doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals, that abortion clinics be regulated as ambulatory surgical centers, and banning abortions after 20 weeks.
In fact, the Missouri law that required doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby facilities brought about the closure of the Springfield abortion clinic. That abortion facility – where hundreds of children lost their lives – is now the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home.
You made this possible.
In addition, Missouri has provided protection for expectant mothers by passing laws requiring they be given information on the risks of the abortion and the development of their unborn children; that they be offered an ultrasound; requiring parental consent for minors seeking an abortion and malpractice insurance for abortionists; providing funding for alternatives-to-abortion programs and tax credits for pregnancy resource centers. And the list goes on. (see missourilife.org/Missouri Law)
Abortion numbers in Missouri have fallen from the all-time high in 1980 of 21,671 resident abortions to 9,027 in 2012 (the last year for which numbers are available). The number of abortion clinics has fallen from an all-time high of ten in 1980 to one abortion clinic.
Without doubt, Missouri legislation has saved lives! And Missouri voters made that possible!
But there is more you must do — and more you can do this year. Please pray that our legislators continue the rich Missouri heritage of saving lives with good laws. Please support Missouri Right to Life as we represent your voice for life in the state capitol – protecting every unborn child and every expectant mother.
“You are the light of the world. … let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14,16
Blessings,
Pam Fichter
President, Missouri Right to Life