Missouri Judge Rules State Abortion Law Not Based on Religious Beliefs
A judge in Missouri has ruled that state lawmakers who passed a bill restricting abortion access were not trying to impose their religious beliefs on everyone in the state, despite claims from religious leaders.
The case, brought by Christian, Jewish, and Unitarian Universalist leaders who support abortion access, was rejected in Judge Jason Sengheiser’s ruling on Friday. The religious leaders sought to prevent Missouri from enforcing its abortion ban and declared that provisions of the law violated the state Constitution.
One section of the statute that was challenged included language recognizing Almighty God as the author of life. However, the judge pointed out that similar language is found in the preamble to the Missouri Constitution, which acknowledges reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe.
The judge stated that while the belief that life begins at conception may go against some religious beliefs, it is not necessarily a religious belief itself. Therefore, it does not prevent individuals from worshiping or not worshiping according to their own consciences.
The Americans United for Separation of Church & State and the National Women’s Law Center, who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the religious leaders, are considering their legal options following the ruling. They argue that Missouri’s abortion ban infringes on the separation of church and state, religious freedom, and reproductive freedom.
Attorneys representing the state argued that just because some supporters of the law oppose abortion for religious reasons does not mean the law imposes their beliefs on others in the state. The judge noted that Missouri has a history of attempting to restrict and criminalize abortion, with statutes dating back over 100 years.
After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, Missouri’s then-Attorney General and Governor immediately enacted a law prohibiting most abortions. The law makes performing or inducing an abortion a felony punishable by prison time and revocation of medical licenses for doctors.
Missouri, which already had strict abortion laws, saw a decline in the number of abortions performed as residents traveled to neighboring states for the procedure. The state’s abortion laws continue to be a contentious issue, with legal challenges ongoing.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
