Ash Grove Senator: A woman who has an abortion must be charged with murder

From Sen. Mike Moon, R-Ash Grove)

If someone ends the life of another, without just cause (i.e., murder), should the murderer be held accountable? Of course, with exceptions, laws in every state of the union mete out certain punishments for taking the life of a human (homicide).

Many examples can be found to make the point that justice for the family of the victim is sought by the legal system.

Here’s a term not commonly used: filicide. Filicide is the killing of one's son or daughter. This is an unimaginable crime. In 1969, Phillip Resnick published research on filicide. He stated that there were five main motives for filicide, including "altruistic,” "fatal maltreatment,” "unwanted child,” "acutely psychotic," and "spousal revenge.”

Should a parent who murders a child be charged with murder?

Take Andrea Yates for example. She drowned her children. Mrs. Yates was charged in the murders of her children and was provided the opportunity to defend herself.

You can read about the case here:

https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/crimefeed/crime-history/5-things-to-know-about-andrea-yates-mom-drowned-5-kids-in-the-bathtub

There are other examples, but I think you get the picture.

In the case of Andrea Yates, her children were born. But, what if someone kills a pre-born child?

Take the case* involving Brian Williams, Sparta, Missouri. Williams was charged and convicted of killing Casey Maples and her pre-born child.

 Now, hold on just a minute. Arguments are often made that a baby in the womb is not “viable,” so prematurely ending the life of a pre-born person no big deal – right?!?! Not according to Christian County Prosecutor, Amy Fite (in 2015).

*https://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/sparta-man-sentenced-to-life-in-jail-for-four-murders-including-pregnant-woman/#:~:text=Williams%20stood%20shackled%20and%20plead,sentences%20without%20parole%20starting%20today.

Some will argue that a life in the womb is not viable (it cannot survive without the aid of another) – that it’s okay to end the life before birth. Okay, for the sake of argument, let’s agree that the life of a person who cannot survive without the aid of another can be snuffed out for any reason. Will the argument hold up when we apply it to a person with dementia living in a nursing home? Or, even the newborn baby who cannot feed or clothe itself? These are just two examples which tell us that the viability argument is not a good one.

Missouri law states that life begins at conception:

https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=1.205#:~:text=Missouri%20Revisor%20of%20Statutes%20%2D%20Revised%20Statutes%20of%20Missouri%2C%20RSMo%20Section%201.205&text=1.205.,no%20cause%20of%20action%20for.

So, if the law states that life begins in the womb, do we ignore the law – even if we don’t agree with the law? Missouri law is consistent the God's Law. The sixth commandment states, "You shall not murder."

Here’s where the proverbial rubber meets the road. Even though, currently Missouri prohibits surgical abortion, the murder of pre-born children is likely occurring within our state (by chemical means). And, unless a woman is coerced by another to have an abortion, if we are consistent, a mother (or father or doctor) who commits an act which results in the intentional killing of a pre-born child, must be charged with murder. This does not necessarily mean the one who commits the act will be convicted – they will be able to defend their actions in a court of law.

In order to maintain consistency with current Missouri law (and, God's Law), I have filed SB 775 (Abolition of Abortion in Missouri Act). You can read the bill text here:

https://www.senate.mo.gov/24info/pdf-bill/intro/SB775.pdf