US state passes a ‘sanctuary of life’ bill

US state passes a ‘sanctuary of life’ bill Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony List

The Missouri House of Representatives has passed the Missouri Stands for the Unborn Act, an omnibus bill that bans abortion when the heartbeat of an unborn child can be detected, which could be as early as six weeks “depending on the method used”.

The measure, also limits late-term abortions after five months of pregnancy; declares the state of Missouri a “sanctuary of life”; bans abortions based on sex, race or Down syndrome; and requires abortion doctors to have adequate malpractice insurance.

Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the national pro-life group Susan B. Anthony List, said the state House’s “bold action shows the growing momentum to humanise our laws and challenge the radical status quo of Roe v. Wade”.

Protection

The United States is one of only seven nations – including China and North Korea – that allow abortion on demand through the moment of birth,” she said in a statement. Ultimate passage of this compassionate bill would make Missouri the 21st state to stop cruel late-term abortions and enact some of the strongest protections in the country for unborn children and their mothers.”