Missouri abortion fight: House debates declaring the unborn as 'persons'

The Missouri House of Representatives has advanced a state constitutional amendment that would allow the unborn to be declared as persons.

Rep. Rick Brattin said the proposed amendment, or House Joint Resolution 98, could be a way to control or stop the "epidemic of abortion."

"We're killing kids so fast it is insane," Brattin said. "The epidemic of abortion is so out of control. It is time we do something to put a stop to it."

On Tuesday, May 2, members of the House gave their initial approval to the legislation with a vote of 112-36 in favor of the amendment.

The legislation's Republican backers said it is a necessary measure to protect the life of the unborn. On the other hand, the Democratic opponents said they were concerned that the legislation could ban the use of contraceptives. They said it could possibly ban abortion altogether even in cases of sexual abuse.

"Do you believe that it's just or compassionate to force a woman who's been raped to have the child of the man who raped her?" Rep. Lauren Arthur asked.

Rep. Tila Hubrecht countered that even if bad things like rape happen to women, having a child can become a "silver lining" throughout the ordeal.

If the amendment would be passed, the House would let the voters decide if they want to add "unborn human children at every stage of biological development" to the state constitution.

"This state recognizes the right to life of every unborn human child at every stage of biological development and shall protect such life from deprivation by the state or private action to the extent permitted by the federal Constitution," the resolution reads.

According to Rep. Jay Barnes, if the legislation is passed, it would make Missouri "the most pro-life state in the country" within the bounds of the federal constitution.

The legislation needs to pass a second approval on or before Friday, May 13 so it can move to the Senate.