As the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case that could overturn Roe v. Wade, pro-life advocates held a rally at the Missouri Supreme Court in Jefferson City. Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft joined in support of overturning Roe v. Wade, urging pro-life advocates to continue their push as the future of abortion law is decided.
“The American people have long opposed Roe v. Wade. Even the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg criticized the reasoning of the decision. We’re sending a message to the Supreme Court that it’s time for this bad ruling to be overturned once and for all,” said Kathy Forck, Team PLAY Servant Leader of the Jefferson City, Missouri Prayer and Rally Event.
“I pray that the U.S. Supreme Court makes the right decision, but while it may decide what is constitutional and what is not, it does not decide what is moral and what is right and what is just,” Ashcroft said. “We need to continue to stand up. We’ve made the difference in Missouri, but there’s work to be done.”
LIVE: an anti-abortion rally is taking place on the steps of the Missouri Supreme Court. @MissouriSOS Jay Ashcroft is scheduled to speak in a few minutes. pic.twitter.com/Y6pfPxHIUH
— Michael Adkison (@madkisonews) December 1, 2021
Rep. Nick Schroer, who sponsored legislation that banned abortions in Missouri after eight weeks, also spoke at the rally. That 2019 law was halted the day before it would have gone into effect after the state’s sole abortion provider sued. Arguments in that case took place in September before the full Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, largely focused on a provision in the law preventing abortions based on a prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis.
“Many of the problems we addressed in that bill are applicable to what we’re dealing with today in D.C.,” he said. “There is so much more work that needs to be done, from dismemberment bills to fully defunding Planned Parenthood of our tax dollars.”
Yamelsie Rodríguez, president and CEO of Reproductive Health Services of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region, said the organization was watching the case and preparing for a future without Roe v. Wade in place.
Overturning Roe v. Wade could have major ramifications in Missouri. State officials would have the authority to prohibit abortions except in cases of medical emergency under a provision in the state constitution triggered by a potential reversal. The ban could be enacted through a proclamation by the governor, a decision by the attorney general or a concurrent resolution passed by the General Assembly.
Although a decision from the U.S. Supreme Court isn’t expected for several months, early reports suggested justices appeared willing to uphold Mississippi’s law.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice
