Republicans in Missouri have introduced two bills that would bring murders charges against women who get an abortion in the state.
Abortion is banned in Missouri at every stage of pregnancy, but for state Rep. Bob Titus and state Sen. Mike Moon the current law does not go far enough. Both lawmakers have proposed bills in their respective chambers to bring homicides charges against anyone who gets an abortion, helps someone get an abortion or provides abortion care in the state at any stage of pregnancy.
The bills offer exceptions in cases where a woman gets an abortion after being coerced or threatened, or if abortion is provided by a physician to save the life of the pregnant woman.
Titus told the Associated Press that no charges will have to be filed if people simply abide by the current rules in effect in the state.
“To me, it’s just about protecting a baby’s life like we do every other person’s life,” Titus said. “The prosecution is just a consequence of taking an innocent human life.”
Both bills, referred to as the “Abolition of Abortion in Missouri Act,” were pre-filed last Friday ahead of the next legislative session, which begins next month.
Titus admitted he did not discuss his bill with Republican leaders and did not base it on any model legislation, according to the AP, which also noted that both legislations face a steep climb in the next legislative session.
Prominent anti-abortion groups in the state are already distancing themselves from the legislations and urging lawmakers to oppose them.
If the bills get to committee hearings “we will vigorously testify against them and strongly urge other members of the legislature to vote them down,” Sam Lee, one of Missouri’s top anti-abortion lobbyists said. “There is nothing pro-life whatsoever about legislation that would allow the death penalty for a woman who undergoes an abortion or any other person who performs an abortion on her.”
Also, Missouri Right to Life, opposed a similar bill from Moon last session, according to the Kansas City Star.
