Missouri Senator Matt Bartle on Abortion Bill 1058
Protecting the Unborn Through Education
JEFFERSON CITY — I've always passionately believed that we have a duty to protect those who cannot protect themselves — especially the unborn. Legislation was discussed in the Senate Judiciary Committee this week that takes a step in the right direction by providing additional protection for the unborn as well as for pregnant women who may be in a precarious position. Senate Bill 1058 expands Missouri's abortion law to offer a wider range of educational materials to pregnant women considering an abortion and makes it a crime to coerce abortion.
Any woman contemplating an abortion has a monumental decision facing her. Maybe she's in a desperate situation and feels as though abortion is her only option. Or maybe she just doesn't have enough information to make an educated choice. She may not even fully comprehend the nature of abortion or the impact such a decision will have on the rest of her life. Regardless, she is facing what is probably one of the most difficult times she'll ever go through and she needs to have all of the facts at her disposal. She needs to be aware of the services that are available and she must have the opportunity to talk to her doctor about the procedure in detail.
This legislation requires women to fulfill certain educational requirements at least 24 hours before the procedure, including reviewing printed materials and videos outlining the risks of an abortion and the physiological characteristics of an unborn child. Women would be given the unborn child's gestational age and have the opportunity to see the baby via an ultrasound as well as listen to the heartbeat. If the woman is past 22 weeks in her term, information would be provided regarding the possibility of pain to the unborn child. Doctors would also be required to discuss medical assistance and counseling services available and give women information about the Alternatives to Abortion Program.
Knowingly coercing a woman to have an abortion would be a crime under SB 1058. When a woman feels she has no other option because another person is pushing her, the decision to preserve life will be much more difficult. If an individual attempts to coerce a woman into having an abortion through abuse, threats or any other manner that makes her feel powerless as the decision-maker, that person would be punished.
Another bill we heard in the Senate Judiciary this week clarifies the age at which a child becomes an adult as it applies to the judicial system. Senate Bill 1054 addresses an inconsistency in Missouri's law. For instance, we haven't quite ironed out the status of 17-year-olds who commit minor offenses — are they adults or children? This bill expands the jurisdiction of the juvenile courts, effectively classifying a 17-year-old as a child in minor, non-criminal offenses that only juveniles can commit, such as curfew violations. The bill would also strengthen a parent's legal right to act as a parent to their sometimes unwilling 17-year-olds. It is important that we as a state reaffirm the rights of parents to shepherd their kids during this turbulent time in life.
If you have any comments or questions about this week's column or any other matter involving state government, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can reach my office by e-mail at matt_bartle@senate.mo.gov or by phone at (888) 711-9278. My web address is http://www.senate.mo.gov/bartle. Sent on behalf of:
-- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com |
posted by Branson Missouri at 1:05 PM
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