Missouri Republicans Propose Controversial Legislation to Charge Women with Murder for Abortions
In a bold move that has sparked intense debate, Missouri Republicans are introducing legislation that would allow women who receive abortions to be charged with murder. This proposal goes beyond existing pro-life laws in any state and is raising eyebrows across the nation. The bills, introduced in both the state House and Senate, aim to apply homicide laws to women who undergo abortions on behalf of an “unborn child at every stage of development.”
Republican state Rep. Bob Titus, a sponsor of one of the measures, emphasizes the intent to protect unborn lives, viewing the potential prosecution as a consequence of taking an innocent human life. The proposed legislation would make exceptions if a woman terminates a pregnancy due to coercion or threats, or if a physician performs an abortion to save the woman’s life.
Missouri is among the 14 states with existing bans on abortions at all stages of pregnancy, allowing exceptions only to save the mother’s life or prevent serious risks to her physical health. Titus argues that no additional charges would be necessary if individuals adhere to the current state law.
These legislative efforts come at a time when two groups are working to place measures on the 2024 Missouri ballots, aiming to either legalize abortion within the first 24 weeks of pregnancy or scale back existing restrictions proposed by moderate Republicans.
Despite the controversial nature of these bills, Titus asserts that he has not consulted legislative leaders and did not base the proposal on any model legislation. However, the similarity between this bill and one introduced by Republican state Sen. Mike Moon raises questions about the coordinated nature of these initiatives.
The move to tighten abortion laws in Missouri aligns with a broader trend seen in other states such as Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, and South Carolina, where similar bills to charge women for having abortions were introduced earlier this year. However, none of these bills advanced through legislative committees.
This development comes in the wake of the Supreme Court overturning the landmark 1973 decision, Roe v. Wade, which guaranteed the right to an abortion. Since then, most Republican-controlled states have adopted bans or restrictions on abortion, while Democrat-controlled states have taken steps to protect women’s access to reproductive healthcare.
Prominent pro-life groups have historically opposed measures that would subject women to charges for having abortions, emphasizing the need to focus on the legal and regulatory framework surrounding abortion rather than penalizing individuals. The unfolding debate in Missouri adds fuel to the ongoing conversation about reproductive rights and the role of the state in regulating women’s choices.
As the 2024 elections approach, abortion-related measures could become a focal point for voters in multiple states, reflecting the deep ideological divide on this contentious issue.
