State of Missouri Archives: on Abortion
Vicky Hartzler:
Leading efforts in Congress to defund Planned Parenthood
Believing that all life is valuable, and knowing that life begins at conception, I am leading efforts in Congress to defund Planned Parenthood--
America's number one killer of unborn children. They don't deserve a dime of our tax dollars.
Source: 2021 Missouri Senate campaign website VickyHartzler.com
Jul 9, 2021
Scott Sifton:
Fought efforts to deny choice to rape and incest victims
Scott filed legislation to rein in the municipal court system, fought Republican efforts to water down Missouri's employment discrimination laws and helped secure passage of the Ferguson Commission's recommendation on the use of force standard into law.
Scott relentlessly filibustered Republican efforts to take the right to choose away from rape and incest victims. He won a second Senate term in 2016, overperforming amidst that year's Trump wave.
Source: 2021 Missouri Senate campaign website ScottSifton.com
Jun 29, 2021
Mike Kehoe:
Missouri has moved the needle in protecting life
Hundreds of Missourians gathered at the capitol to protest abortion in Missouri. Kehoe said it was important for him to be there and show his support. He noted Missouri has been a leader in pro-life initiatives. "Missouri has moved the needle so
well in protecting life just a decade ago the numbers and statistics we had on abortion each year was very sad and every year we've decreased and decreased and decreased those numbers," he said.
Source: KRCG 13 CBS News on 2022 Missouri Senate race
Apr 14, 2021
Mike Kehoe:
Most innocent person you can protect is in the womb
[On the unborn]: "The most fundamental, innocent person that you can protect is that person in the womb that can't speak for themselves," Kehoe said. "Way before politics, I've been involved with multiple organizations, both in the community and
statewide. . We really believe in the passionate plea that that person that can't speak for themselves has, and I think as elected officials we're the person that needs to speak for that person."
Source: The Missouri Times on 2022 Missouri Senate race
Mar 29, 2021
Nicole Galloway:
Trusts women to make their own healthcare decisions
On abortion, Galloway has a well-documented dislike of HB 126, the new ban on abortion after eight weeks of pregnancy with no exceptions. Yet what does Galloway think abortion policy should be? Are any restrictions acceptable to her?
Her campaign responds that "she trusts women to make their own healthcare decisions in consultation with their family, doctor, and faith," a phrase she's used several times before.
Source: St. Louis Magazine on 2020 Missouri gubernatorial race
Feb 8, 2020
Mike Parson:
Ban abortion after the eighth week of pregnancy
Missouri will not renew Planned Parenthood's license to perform abortions unless the clinic fully complies with the state's requests, said Parson during a press conference. The clinic is the last one performing abortions in the state.
The governor claimed, "Planned Parenthood has been actively and knowingly violating state law on numerous occasions." Parson said. "They should not receive any exceptions because they are one clinic."
But it makes no exceptions for cases involving rape or incest.[Democratic opponent Nicole] Galloway is making her opposition to the law a cornerstone of her campaign, calling it "outrageous" in an August video announcing her candidacy.
When she publicly mused about making a bid for Parson's seat earlier this year, she cited the abortion law as a factor pushing her toward running.
Source: Columbia Daily Tribune on 2020 Missouri Gubernatorial race
Sep 8, 2019
Nicole Galloway:
Upset about Missouri's pro-life abortion position
Missouri Auditor Nicole Galloway hints she is upset enough about the state's position on abortion rights she may run for governor next year. [Governor Mike Parson on Abortion is Solidly pro-life].
Galloway recently defended her incumbency in a statewide election and has not hitherto been seen as a prospective chief executive.
Source: Columbia Daily Tribune on 2020 Missouri Gubernatorial race
Jun 8, 2019
Nicole Galloway:
Abortion ban gives new rights & opportunities to rapists
Missouri finds itself in the national spotlight for all the wrong reasons again--this time, by giving new rights and opportunities to rapists. By signing House Bill 126, which bans abortions even in the case of rape, incest or human trafficking, Gov.
Mike Parson has spoken loud and clear. He wants rapists in Missouri to have more power over their victims. A survivor of rape must accept that her attacker could have parental rights.
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Missouri voting record HB.126
Jun 3, 2019
Mike Parson:
Enforces law which shuts down only abortion clinic in state
Missouri will not renew Planned Parenthood's license to perform abortions unless the clinic fully complies with the state's requests, said Parson during a press conference. The clinic is the last one performing abortions in the state.
The governor claimed, "Planned Parenthood has been actively and knowingly violating state law on numerous occasions." Parson said. "They should not receive any exceptions because they are one clinic."
Source: CBS News on 2020 Missouri gubernatorial race
May 29, 2019
Mike Parson:
Signs bill criminalizing abortion after eight weeks
Parson signed a bill that criminalizes abortions after eight weeks of pregnancy. Any person who performs an abortion after eight weeks--often before many women are aware they are pregnant--could be charged with a felony punishable by five to
15 years in prison. The legislation does not have exceptions for victims of rape or incest. It does have a carve-out for cases of medical emergencies. Parson has said he would like to make Missouri "the most Pro-Life state in the country,"
Source: NPR.org on 2020 Missouri gubernatorial race
May 24, 2019
Mike Parson:
Signed "Missouri Stands for the Unborn Act"
HB 126: To establish the "Missouri Stands for the Unborn Act."Summary by TrackBill.com:An abortion shall not be performed upon a woman at 8, 14 and 20 weeks gestational age or later, except in cases of medical emergency.
In
Support (Vox.com):The 8-week ban is in clear conflict with˙Roe v. Wade, and could be challenged in court. The architects of the Missouri˙law came up with a "ladder structure", which they call "a first of its kind." If the 8-week ban falls, the
14-week ban would take effect, and so on.
Opposition by Auditor Galloway: HB126 bans abortions even in the case of rape, incest or human trafficking. [Hence] Gov. Parson wants rapists in Missouri to have more power over their victims.
A survivor of rape must accept that her attacker could have parental rights.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 24-10-0 on 5/15/19; Passed House 108-46-1 on 5/17; Signed by Gov. Parson on 5/24.
Source: Vox.com on Missouri voting record HB.126
May 24, 2019
Jim Neely:
Voted for abortion ban at 8 weeks, but had not read it
Neely said as a doctor he had some hesitancy on the bill as it did not make exceptions for rape and incest or address cases of human trafficking. "I think the two extremes need to be getting together," he said. Despite his concerns,
Neely voted in favor of the ban, telling the Courier-Tribune he did not read the legislation and later adding he doesn't know anyone that likes the idea of an abortion.
Source: Courier-Tribune on 2020 Missouri Gubernatorial race
May 17, 2019
Jim Neely:
Supported "Missouri Stands for the Unborn Act"
HB 126: To establish the "Missouri Stands for the Unborn Act."Summary by TrackBill.com:An abortion shall not be performed upon a woman at 8, 14 and 20 weeks gestational age or later, except in cases of medical emergency.
In
Support (Vox.com):The 8-week ban is in clear conflict with˙Roe v. Wade, and could be challenged in court. The architects of the Missouri˙law came up with a "ladder structure", which they call "a first of its kind." If the 8-week ban falls, the
14-week ban would take effect, and so on.
Opposition by Auditor Galloway: HB126 bans abortions even in the case of rape, incest or human trafficking. [Hence] Gov. Parson wants rapists in Missouri to have more power over their victims.
A survivor of rape must accept that her attacker could have parental rights.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 24-10-0 on 5/15/19; Passed House 108-46-1 on 5/17; State Rep. Jim Neely voted YES; Signed by Gov. Parson on 5/24.
Source: Vox.com on Missouri voting record HB.126
May 17, 2019
Scott Sifton:
Opposed "Missouri Stands for the Unborn Act"
HB 126: To establish the "Missouri Stands for the Unborn Act."Summary by TrackBill.com:An abortion shall not be performed upon a woman at 8, 14 and 20 weeks gestational age or later, except in cases of medical emergency.
In
Support (Vox.com):The 8-week ban is in clear conflict with˙Roe v. Wade, and could be challenged in court. The architects of the Missouri˙law came up with a "ladder structure", which they call "a first of its kind." If the 8-week ban falls, the
14-week ban would take effect, and so on.
Opposition by Auditor Galloway: HB126 bans abortions even in the case of rape, incest or human trafficking. [Hence] Gov. Parson wants rapists in Missouri to have more power over their victims.
A survivor of rape must accept that her attacker could have parental rights.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 24-10-0 on 5/15/19; State Sen. Scott Sifton voted NO; Passed House 108-46-1 on 5/17; Signed by Gov. Parson on 5/24.
Source: Vox.com on Missouri voting record HB.126
May 15, 2019
Josh Hawley:
Roe v. Wade was one of the most unjust decisions
Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?Hawley: Ban. Called Roe v. Wade "one of the most unjust decisions" in U.S. judicial history.
McCaskill: Legal. Supported bill to prevent abortion providers being singled out for medically unwarranted restrictions
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Missouri Senate race
Nov 1, 2018
Claire McCaskill:
Fund Planned Parenthood; protect abortion providers
Q: Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?Josh Hawley (R): Ban. Called Roe v. Wade "one of the most unjust decisions" in U.S. judicial history.
Claire McCaskill (D): Legal. Supported bill to prevent abortion providers being singled out for
medically unwarranted restrictions.
Q: Allow employers to withhold contraceptive coverage from employees if disagree with it morally?
Josh Hawley (R): Yes. Was lawyer in Hobby Lobby case that gave businesses religious freedom
rights to withhold this coverage.
Claire McCaskill (D): No. Says best way to reduce unintended pregnancies and abortions is by expanding access to birth control.
Q: Allow public funding of Planned Parenthood for non-abortion health services?
Josh Hawley (R): "No tax money of any kind."
Claire McCaskill (D): Yes. Taking away birth control will increase abortions.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Missouri Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Josh Hawley:
Roe v. Wade was most unjust decision in U.S. history
Q: Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?Josh Hawley (R): Ban. Called Roe v. Wade "one of the most unjust decisions" in U.S. judicial history.
Claire McCaskill (D): Legal. Supported bill to prevent abortion providers being singled out for
medically unwarranted restrictions.
Q: Allow employers to withhold contraceptive coverage from employees if disagree with it morally?
Josh Hawley (R): Yes. Was lawyer in Hobby Lobby case that gave businesses religious freedom
rights to withhold this coverage.
Claire McCaskill (D): No. Says best way to reduce unintended pregnancies and abortions is by expanding access to birth control.
Q: Allow public funding of Planned Parenthood for non-abortion health services?
Josh Hawley (R): "No tax money of any kind."
Claire McCaskill (D): Yes. Taking away birth control will increase abortions.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Missouri Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Mike Parson:
Solidly pro-life; supports protecting rights of the unborn
Mike has always been supportive of protecting the rights of the unborn, and he has consistently voted for legislation that has made our state
among the most pro-life in the nation, including the measure extending the waiting period for an abortion from 24 hours to 72 hours.
Source: 2018 Missouri Gubernatorial campaign website MikeParson.com
Sep 18, 2018
Josh Hawley:
New abortion restrictions protects women
New abortion regulations took effect on Tuesday that critics argue will make it more difficult for women to access the procedure. "This is about making it as difficult as possible to obtain an abortion," a spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood said.
Attorney General Josh Hawley praised the law in a statement issued on Monday, saying, "SB5 enacts sensible regulations that protect the health of women in Missouri and we will continue to vigorously defend these."
Source: Reuters on Missouri voting records for SB5
Oct 24, 2017
Tony Monetti:
Pro-life, but support healthcare & adoption
While I am morally committed to a Pro-Life stance, we have a responsibility to go beyond our words and moral stance. I am equally passionate about finding ways to help young mothers who choose life through finding and accessing
health care and support services, providing viable adoption options for the mothers and adoptive parents, and supporting children through educational, health, and support services to ensure them a welcoming place in our society.
Source: 2018 Missouri Senatorial website MonettiForSenate.com
Oct 15, 2017
Angelica Earl:
Loudly, proudly pro-choice
I am Pro-choice! I will say it loudly and proudly. There are zero reasons good enough to prevent a woman from making decisions about what is best for her own body.
The decision is hers alone and I intend on keeping it that way. Conversations about this should be between her and her doctor.
Source: 2018 Missouri Senatorial website AngelicaForMissouri.com
Sep 15, 2017
Eric Greitens:
Called for public prayer supporting anti-abortion centers
Gov. Eric Greitens asked audiences to pray for the "career politicians" prior to the special session he called to repeal a St. Louis city reproductive anti-discrimination ordinance and pass religious protections for pregnancy centers.
These religious-based centers received over $7 million in tax credits in the 2017 state budget but have zero state regulations mandating they provide medically accurate information (most don't) or employ medical staff (many don't).
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch on 2022 Missouri Senate race
Jun 14, 2017
Eric Greitens:
Overturn law making St. Louis into "abortion sanctuary city"
The governor of Missouri, Republican Eric Greitens, has called a special legislative session to change a local law that he says makes St. Louis into an "abortion sanctuary city." In a video message shared on Twitter,
Greitens declares himself to be "pro-life" and "proud to support life--the lives of mothers, their children and the innocent unborn."
Source: Newsweek magazine on 2022 Missouri Senate race
Jun 8, 2017
Jason Kander:
Supports public funding for Planned Parenthood
Q: On Healthcare: Should Planned Parenthood be eligible to receive public funds for non-abortion health services?Blunt: No
Kander: Yes
Q: On Abortion: Should abortion be highly restricted?
Blunt: Yes
Kander: No
Q: On Contraception: Should employers be able to withhold contraceptive coverage from employees if they disagree with it morally?
Blunt: Yes
Kander: No
Source: CampusElect Voter Guide to 2016 Missouri Senate race
Oct 9, 2016
Jason Kander:
Endorsed by NARAL for perfect pro-choice voting records
NARAL Pro-Choice America PAC announced its endorsement of Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander in his bid for the Senate. His perfect pro-choice voting records and continuous efforts to stand against attacks on women's reproductive freedom make the
candidate the champion for women and families we need in Congress."Jason Kander has consistently demonstrated his commitment to protecting Missouri women and families," said the NARAL Pro-Choice America National Political Director. "Kander is a
leader who understands that women's success is America's success and that means making sure women have access to a full range of reproductive health services, including abortion care. Whether opposing partisan efforts to defund Planned Parenthood or
fighting to ensure women have access to basic health care, he's made one thing very clear: women's reproductive freedom is a top priority. Jason Kander is the kind of leaders Missouri women and families need in Congress."
Source: ProChoiceAmerica.org on 2016 Missouri Senate race
Jul 26, 2016
John Brunner:
Fight back against judges dictating values on our churches
Unelected federal judges continue to dictate their values on our communities, synagogues, and churches. We will fight back. Dozens of states have sued and taken on the Obama administration's attempts to require churches,
Christian universities, and religious organizations to violate their religious convictions. Missouri has yet to join the fight. We must lead from the front! My Mission:-
Fight any attempts to force regulations that undermine or require churches and religious organizations to institute practices against their beliefs.
- Protect religious freedom.
-
End the horrific practice of illegally selling body parts of unborn children to line the pockets of pro-choice organizations and abortion clinics.
- Protect the sanctity of life.
Source: 2016 Missouri gubernatorial campaign website JohnBrunner.com
May 10, 2016
Lester Turilli:
Every life is precious
Q: Your comments on the statement, "Abortion is a woman's unrestricted right"? A: Every life in Missouri is precious and he loves babies.˙I value both the mother and the child and advocate eliminating abortion permanently from our state.
Mothers need counseling, attention, care, nutrition, support, and love which should be provided through community organizations and churches. ˙"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..." (Jeremiah 1:5).
Source: Email interview on 2016 Missouri candidacy by OnTheIssues
Apr 25, 2016
Austin Petersen:
Against abortion, but would limit government role
"I believe in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all humans. All humans have the same rights, and that means to me that we should always adopt a pro-life stance as libertarians because human life is the zenith."
Petersen called for human life to be protected and insisted that fetuses are humans. He also said that he would look for limited government ways to do so, such as legalizing over-the-counter birth control.
Source: Libertarian Republic on 2018 Missouri Senate race
Mar 23, 2016
Eric Greitens:
Every life is precious; defend & promote life
TOGETHER, WE CAN PROTECT LIFE. I believe that every life is precious. I am pro-life, and I very strongly believe we must promote life, defend life, and that in a free society,
no person should have their tax money taken from them, and spent on organizations like Planned Parenthood, that engage in activities that are, quite simply, barbaric.
Source: 2016 Missouri Governor campaign website EricGreitens.com
Oct 9, 2015
Chris Koster:
Planned Parenthood didn't illegally dispose of fetal tissue
Now we know why it took Chris Koster so long to report on his investigation into Planned Parenthood and the bogus allegations of profiting from the sale of fetal organs and tissue. Koster's work appears to be incredibly thorough. His staff examined the
procedure for disposing of fetal tissue at the Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region & Southwest Missouri, the only clinic in Missouri that performs surgical abortions.`As a result of our investigation, the office of the MO Attorney General has
found no evidence that PPSLR has engaged in unlawful disposal of fetal organs or tissue,` the report states.
A state Senate `sanctity of life` committee was formed by Sen. Kurt Schaefer. The Columbia clinic proved to be a productive target for the
ruthlessly ambitious Schaefer, a Republican who wants to replace Koster, a Democrat, as attorney general. Schaefer got the Mizzou administration to revoke a doctor's admitting privilege and cause the Columbia clinic to cease performing abortions.
Source: Kansas City Star on 2016 Missouri gubernatorial race
Sep 28, 2015
Peter Kinder:
Investigate organizations harvesting aborted babies' parts
Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder today called for hearings regarding the `abhorrent revelations` from a video that shows a top Planned Parenthood official casually discussing the shipment of aborted fetus body parts to research labs.`The abhorrent
revelations in this video are sickening and unacceptable,` Kinder said. `Not only is the specter of carefully killing 17- week-old babies so as to harvest specific body parts horrific beyond measure, this activity also is criminal, violating federal and
state laws. We in Missouri have been a pro-life state for many years, and we must hold hearings on this to determine what exactly is going on at Planned Parenthood. We cannot stand idly by in the face of such a callous and ghoulish revelation.
Any organization participating in, profiting from or sponsoring the harvesting of body parts from aborted babies must be held accountable.`
In 1997, as a state senator, Kinder led the effort to ban partial-birth abortion in Missouri.
Source: Missouri Times on 2016 Missouri gubernatorial race
Jul 16, 2015
Todd Akin:
Resisted stepping aside after "legitimate rape" comment
Republican Todd Akin and incumbent Democrat Claire McCaskill debated on Thursday, but did not discuss Akin's "legitimate rape" remark that drew national attention to their US Senate race. Akin's comment in August that women have biological defenses
against pregnancies that might be caused by "legitimate rapes," which he later retracted, drew widespread rebukes even from members of his own party. The 6-term congressman resisted requests that he step aside for another candidate to take on McCaskill.
Source: Reuters on 2012 Missouri Senate debate
Oct 19, 2012
John Brunner:
Pledges support to overthrow of Roe v. Wade
Asked whether the candidates supported a constitutional amendment saying life begins at conception, Akin staked out the strongest stance. "Yes, I would support a constitutional amendment," he said. Brunner and Steelman both said they would want to
look at the wording of a proposed amendment before endorsing it while still trying to portray a strong anti-abortion stance, with Steelman saying she does believe life begins at conception and Brunner pledging support to the overthrow of Roe v. Wade.
Source: Columbia Daily Tribune on 2012 Missouri Senate debate
Apr 22, 2012
Sarah Steelman:
Life begins at conception; consider Constitutional Amendment
Asked whether the candidates supported a constitutional amendment saying life begins at conception, Akin staked out the strongest stance. "Yes, I would support a constitutional amendment," he said. Brunner and Steelman both said they would want to
look at the wording of a proposed amendment before endorsing it while still trying to portray a strong anti-abortion stance, with Steelman saying she does believe life begins at conception and Brunner pledging support to the overthrow of Roe v. Wade.
Source: Columbia Daily Tribune on 2012 Missouri Senate debate
Apr 22, 2012
Todd Akin:
Life begins at conception; support Constitutional Amendment
Asked whether the candidates supported a constitutional amendment saying life begins at conception, Akin staked out the strongest stance. "Yes, I would support a constitutional amendment," he said. Brunner and Steelman both said they would want to
look at the wording of a proposed amendment before endorsing it while still trying to portray a strong anti-abortion stance, with Steelman saying she does believe life begins at conception and Brunner pledging support to the overthrow of Roe v. Wade.
Source: Columbia Daily Tribune on 2012 Missouri Senate debate
Apr 22, 2012
Catherine Hanaway:
Waiting periods; parental notification; & other restrictions
Hanaway indicated support for the following principles concerning abortion:- Abortions should be legal only when pregnancy resulted from incest, rape, or when the life of the woman is endangered.
-
Abortions should be limited by waiting periods and parental notification requirements.
- Prohibit the late-term abortion procedure known as "partial-birth" abortion.
Source: Missouri Legislative 1998 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Nancy Farmer:
Make abortions legally available including funding
Principles which Farmer supports regarding abortion: - Abortions should always be legally available.
- Q: Should Missouri government funding be provided to clinics and medical facilities that provide abortion services?
A: Yes. -
Q: Would you support legislation that would require women seeking an abortion to meet with a state-approved counselor beforehand?
A: No.
Source: 1996 Missouri National Political Awareness Test
Jul 2, 1996
Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021