How else to explain their opposition to a bill banning forced abortions?
Under the bill, those who threaten to fire a pregnant woman unless she has an abortion, or to take away her college scholarships, could be charged with a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of $1,000. People who abuse or threaten a pregnant woman to try to get her to have an abortion could be charged with additional crimes carrying enhanced penalties.
The measure also would make it a felony, punishable by up to seven years in prison, for doctors to perform an abortion when they believe a woman has been coerced.
Legislation like this is great for pro-lifers. It puts pro-abortion supporters in the uncomfortable position of supporting distasteful positions, such as Barack Obama's opposition to the Infant Born Alive Act. That piece of legislation would have required Illinois doctors and nurses to attempt to save babies who were born, not killed, during abortion procedures. Obama opposed saving those children.
The Missouri legislation also included other informed consent provisions.
Women would need to be given the option of seeing an ultrasound of their fetus. They would also need to be instructed about potential health risks and that their fetus can be given anesthesia before the abortion. And women would need to certify in writing that they have been provided with the required materials and are voluntarily giving their informed consent to have an abortion.
The bill also would require doctors and clinics that perform abortions to post several posters. The signs would declare: "There are many public and private agencies willing and able to help you carry your child to term, and to assist you and your child after your child is born."
The signs would add: "The state of Missouri encourages you to contact those agencies before making a final decision about abortion. State law requires that your physician or a qualified health professional give you the opportunity to call agencies like these before you undergo an abortion."
It's always interesting watching those who favor abortion (and who argue that they believe in "choice") squirm at allowing women options other than abortion.
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