Missouri is hoping to charge women who undergo abortions with homicide.
The disturbing new proposed bill, known as the “Abolition of Abortion in Missouri Act,” will allow prosecutors to bring forth murder or assault charges against women who terminate their pregnancies in the state. One version of the legislature has already been submitted to the Missouri House, while another has been sent to the Senate.
Under the legislation, Missouri laws would be extended to fetuses, giving them equal rights as human beings. In addition to pregnant women, criminal charges can be filed against anyone who administers an abortion, assists anyone in getting an abortion, or provides any type of abortion care in the state. Missouri currently has a near-total abortion ban.
The harsh proposal has even shocked anti-abortion groups, who believe the measure does not align with pro-life ideologies. In May, when a similar law was introduced, anti-abortion groups slammed the state for considering the criminalization of women who wish to end their pregnancies.
“As numerous pro-life groups across the country have stated, ‘any measure seeking to criminalize or punish women is not pro-life, and we stand firmly opposed to such efforts,’” stated prominent pro-lifer Sam Lee, in a memo.
Meanwhile, women’s rights groups are shocked by the bill but are determined to fight it. Members of Abortion Action Missouri believe the introduction of the bill could be politically motivated.
