Just before Christmas, Missouri lawmakers were working on a bill that would save the lives of unborn babies. This bill replicates the law in Texas in many ways. Basically, if a heartbeat is detectable, abortion is prohibited.
Bill Says
The bill is entitled Empower Women, Promote Life Act. It is House Bill 1987. You can read it in its entirety here. In it, a private citizen can file a lawsuit against abortionists and those who violate the law by killing a baby that has a heartbeat. This Texas law has stood up in courts and Missouri is hoping for the same results. The bill will also de-fund tax dollars going to Planned Parenthood.
Who Introduced The Bill?
Representative Mary Elizabeth Coleman for District 097 (St. Louis and Jefferson counties) submitted the bill on December 16, 2021. She is a Republican. She practices law at a not-for-profit that respects life, family, and religious liberty. She has served three years so far.
When Will Congress Vote?
Missouri Congress will read and discuss the bill in 2022. After it’s voted on and passed, it moved to the Senate. No date is given yet.
Opposition
This bill is highly favored, however, it is not without loud opposition. Representative Coleman is being labeled as an ‘extremist’ who only wants political gain. A St. Louis newspaper published an editorial condemning the bill. Nonetheless, 56% of Missourians support prohibiting abortion after eight weeks of pregnancy [1]. A heartbeat can be detected at six weeks.
What Can You Do?
Do you support the bill? Our legislators need to know that. You can contact representative Copeland through his political site here. Although not in the Senate yet, one can also reach Senator Eslinger at her Jefferson City site here.
Notes:
- ^https://www.slu.edu/research/research-institute/big-ideas/slu-poll/july-2021-poll/slu-poll-july2021-crosstabresults.pdf (go back ↩)
