JEFFERSON CITY — As the 2019 legislative session comes to an end, I would first like to thank my constituents for allowing me to serve as your senator from northeast Missouri. It has truly been an eye-opening journey, and I appreciate your support and engagement on the issues that matter most to you.
I would also like to thank my colleagues in the Missouri Senate for all of their hard work this session. As senators, we all strive to pass legislation that aims to improve the quality of life for all Missourians, which sometimes requires us to make some tough decisions.
This week, I believe that the Missouri General Assembly passed what I believe is one of the strongest pro-life bills in the country, and I am excited to report that House Bill 126 now heads to the governor for his consideration. Once signed into law, this legislation establishes the Missouri Stands for the Unborn Act.
This proposal prohibits abortions after eight weeks of pregnancy; prohibits abortions when a baby is capable of feeling pain; and outlaws abortions in Missouri if Roe v. Wade is overturned by the courts.
There are essentially only three things that differentiate unborn children from anybody else: level of development; level of dependency; and location. Not a single one of those differences should determine whether or not a person has a right to live, let alone whether or not they are human.
I believe the passage of this legislation is an important win in the struggle to protect the lives of unborn children. For every win, we know there will be another challenge, and I will be vigilant in this fight. A world in which defenseless children are dismembered or aborted is unacceptable. We will champion life. This life-saving legislation contains several provisions that protect the intent of this important bill from legal challenges and threatening rulings from the judicial branch.
I want to reaffirm that I proudly stand with those who fight for the right to life. As we wait for the governor to consider this legislation, I ask that my constituents continue to support our state’s pregnancy resource centers. These centers strive to serve women who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. These women need our love and support because like us, they are also God’s children. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in support of this life-saving legislation, and I am optimistic that the governor will sign this bill into law.
Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-7985. You may also email me at cindy.olaughlin@senate.mo.gov.