Proposes a constitutional amendment regarding the right to life
If enacted, HJR109 would significantly impact state laws regarding abortion and reproductive rights. By redefining personhood to include embryos and fetuses, the resolution could lead to the prohibition of abortion in Missouri, challenging existing legal precedents that protect reproductive rights. As a constitutional amendment, it would require majority approval in a statewide vote, highlighting the democratic process for significant legal changes in state governance.
HJR109 proposes an amendment to the Missouri Constitution to affirm the right to life of all human beings, explicitly defining 'person' to include every human being with a unique DNA code, starting from the moment of conception until birth. This amendment seeks to repeal the current language in Article I, Section 2, and replace it with language that emphasizes the government's role in promoting the welfare of the people and securing the right to life.
The discussions surrounding HJR109 have sparked considerable debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Proponents argue that the amendment is a necessary step in protecting the sanctity of life and aligning state laws with certain moral and ethical beliefs about human development. Conversely, opponents, including reproductive rights advocates, express strong concerns that this measure undermines women's rights and health care access, fearing that it could lead to severe restrictions on abortion and infringe on personal freedoms regarding reproductive choices.