Legislators Revive ‘Personhood’ Amendment Protecting Fetuses

The Missouri Congress is in session. Among other notes of interest, they are examining where life begins.  Senator Moon has reintroduced legislation to clarify that a person is one with a unique DNA, regardless of age or whether in the womb.

Senator Moon

For the second year in a row, state Senator Mike Moon, from Ash Grove, is sponsoring a proposed constitutional amendment that would define “person” as including

every human being with a unique DNA code regardless of age, including every in utero human child at every stage of biological development from the moment of conception until birth ^[1].

Moon’s legislation faces long odds to land on the ballot. He summarized the battle as,

We are certainly at a political divide. It appears we are also at a scientific divide and also a spiritual divide ^[2].

The Amendment

The proposed amendment would create a total abortion ban and criminalize anyone involved in an abortion, from the providers to the person ending their pregnancy. Those found guilty of murder in Missouri can face the death penalty.

Many families and individuals came before the committee to speak in favor of this legislation.

Against Legislation

Doug Mann, with Planned Parenthood Great Rivers Action, was among a handful of people to testify against Monday’s legislation. He remarked that the legislation does not follow science.

November Elections

The Missouri legislature went on to approve a similar proposed amendment for the ballot. As a result, Missourians will be asked to again weigh in on abortion this November. The measure would re-instate an abortion ban, but this time adding exceptions for rape and incest survivors in addition to exceptions for medical emergencies. It would enshrine an existing ban on gender-affirming health care for minors in the constitution and allow abortions during an ectopic pregnancy. Once again, voters need to think and pray hard before going to the ballot box. Much depends on their votes.