Missouri Republican: Pregnancy Is ‘Silver Lining’ Of Rape (VIDEO)


On Tuesday, a Republican-sponsored potential ballot measure granting unborn fetuses the same constitutional rights as American citizens won preliminary approval in the Missouri House of Representatives. If approved by both House and Senate, and later by voters, some say that state might become the most restrictive on reproductive rights in the nation.

Representative Lauren Arthur (D-Kansas City) noted that:

“This bill doesn’t just take the issue over the edge of the cliff...It rockets the issue into outer space.”

Under the measure, voters would be asked if the state constitution should be amended to

“Protect pregnant women and unborn children by recognizing that an unborn child is a person with a right to life which cannot be deprived by state or private action without due process and equal protection of law.”

The bill has the potential to outlaw abortion in cases of rape or when a mother’s life is at risk, and it might also make contraception illegal, according to opponents.

Yet Missouri Republicans who back the bill are gleeful at the prospect of its passing. Representative Mike Moon, its sponsor, said:

“I’m glad the bill came up, but this is actually the third year that I’ve attempted something like that, so I’m grateful for the opportunity to have some input [during a debate on it],” Moon said. “I’m looking forward to seeing this on the ballot this year.”

Incumbent Republican Missouri State Representative Tila Hubrecht — who is up for reelection and unopposed — said in the debate:

“Sometimes bad things happen — horrible things, but sometimes God can give us a silver lining through the birth of a child.”

Remarking that she’s met and spoke with children of rape, she said:

“When God gives a life, there is a reason, no matter what.”

All well and good, but rape victims who become pregnant against their will must be the only ones having that conversation, with themselves, their doctors and, if they so believe, their God.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jN1Lq3-L64o

Correction: this article originally ran with a featured image depicting Representative Lauren Arthur (D-Kansas City). The headline relates to a quote from Incumbent Republican Missouri State Representative Tila Hubrecht.

Video via YouTube

Featured image via Facebook by 151st MO State Representative Tila Hubrecht

Susan Starr is a freelance writer and editor, writing on liberal topics, spirituality, health, sustainability and the environment. She has a master's degree in liberal studies from Stony Brook University and a certificate in holistic health coaching. In her free time, she reviews books, plays with her miracle Maine Coon Mollie and networks for cat rescue organizations.