Missouri Catholic Conference, other pro-life groups join coalition
Several pro-life organizations have formed a coalition to oppose a proposed ballot initiative that seeks to amend the state’s constitution to restore legal abortion.
Missouri Stands with Women filed paperwork with the Missouri Ethics Commission on Jan. 12. Deacon Sam Lee, a permanent deacon and longtime pro-life lobbyist with Campaign Life Missouri, is listed as the group’s president.
The Missouri Catholic Conference, the public policy arm of the state’s bishops, is among the organizations that have joined the coalition. Others include Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and ThriVe Nation, a St. Louis-based pregnancy resource organization. Several groups have already donated to the campaign, including the Missouri Catholic Conference, the Missouri Senate Campaign Committee and the House Republican Campaign Committee.
Meanwhile, Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, a group of organizations in support of abortion access, announced its campaign on Jan. 18. Abortion Action Missouri, ACLU of Missouri and two Planned Parenthood chapters in Missouri are part of the coalition.
The group faces a May 5 deadline to collect enough signatures in support of the proposed amendment, which would allow abortions until fetal viability (typically around 22-24 weeks of pregnancy), with an exception for the “life and physical or mental health” of the mother. If the group collects signatures of at least 8% of legal voters in six of the state’s eight congressional districts by the deadline, the measure will be placed on the November 2024 ballot to be voted on by Missouri citizens.
The initiative petition process is being used “to reverse all the pro-life work our state has undertaken to protect the dignity of life, safety of women and parental rights,” Stephanie Bell, a spokeswoman for Missouri Stands with Women, said in a statement posted on the organization’s website. “We are united in our efforts to ensure these out-of-state extremists are not allowed to tear the fabric of our constitution by placing unregulated, taxpayer-funded abortions up to the moment of birth, effectively overriding all Missouri’s pro-life laws.”
Missouri Catholic Conference executive director Jamie Morris said the conference supports efforts to protect the safety of women and children. “We’re going to be heavily involved in anything that is about protecting our constitution from adding abortion rights,” he said. “The bishops have been engaged every step of the way with other pro-life groups, and we will continue to be working with our partners on this initiative.”
Morris encouraged people to pray, stay engaged, and, above all, not to sign a petition without first asking questions. “If you’re approached, don’t sign,” he said. “Ask questions — you can always go home and research. But be very cautious.”
>> Get involved
The archdiocesan Respect Life Apostolate has recommended five actions to stay involved in the abortion ballot initiative:
Pray: Be bold and confident in asking our Good Lord’s help in stopping any pro-abortion initiative petition. Pray and invite others to pray to help save babies and protect moms. Ask your pastor to start a regular Rosary for Life and Holy Hour.
Walk with moms: Support moms in your parish and community, especially those facing an unexpected pregnancy. Partner with your local pregnancy help center to walk with them. For more information, visit walkingwithmomsstl.com.
Decline to sign: If the ballot language is certified so that abortion supporters may start collecting signatures, do not sign any petition to allow abortion to be enshrined in the state constitution on the November 2024 ballot. Educate others on the issue and encourage them to do the same.
Promote voter registration: Encourage young people and other new voters to register. Help at a registration drive in your community or ask your pastor if you can organize one at your parish (per the Secretary of State guidelines).
Help those wounded by abortion: Encourage those affected by abortion to reach out for compassionate help and healing at archstl.org/hope-healing.
The Respect Life Apostolate will host a meeting on Monday, Jan. 29, at the Cardinal Rigali Center in Shrewsbury, which will include an update on the ballot initiative and more information on walking with women and families in need. All are welcome.
The meeting will begin with fellowship at 6:30 p.m., followed by the meeting at 7. Auxiliary Bishop Mark S. Rivituso will offer the opening prayer. For more information, call (314) 792-7555 or email prolife@archstl.org. The Respect Life Apostolate also will share specific action items for each of the five points at stlrespectlife.org.
The website for Missouri Stands With Women is mostandswithwomen.org
