Satanist Group Challenges Missouri Abortion Law

A group of Satanists is challenging a Missouri law that requires women who want an abortion to receive a booklet stating that life begins at conception.

A group of Satanists at an organization called the Satanic Temple recently challenged a Missouri law that requires women who want an abortion to receive a booklet stating that life begins at conception. They took their case to the Missouri Supreme Court by arguing that this requirement violates the religious beliefs of women. This case sets a precedent in that it marks the first time a Satanist group presented arguments about an abortion in any state Supreme Court. This case also has the potential to influence the limits of abortion requirements in the state, which is an important issue for many women.

How the Case was Initiated

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a woman who identifies as “Mary Doe” and who sought an abortion at a St. Louis clinic in 2015. After the woman received the pamphlet, she received an ultrasound and completed a required 72-hour waiting period. This woman is a member of the Satanic Temple and argues that her religious beliefs including her perspective that a fetus is not an independent being were violated by state law. Legal counsel on behalf of the state of Missouri, however, argued that the requirement does not violate anyone’s religious beliefs and as a result, that the requirement should be left in place.

Missouri’s Laws on Abortion

Missouri is one of six states that require women who seek abortion to first be told that life begins at conception. Missouri is also one of 27 states that require women to wait a specific amount of time prior to receiving an abortion. It is not certain when the state of Missouri will make a decision on this case.                                                                                                                

Missouri places a variety of restrictions on abortions in the state. These restrictions on abortions included the following as of January 1, 2018:

• Abortions are only performed at or after viability if a woman’s life is endangered or her health would be seriously endangered by having the child.
• Private insurance policies only cover abortions when a mother’s life is endangered. There is, however, a way around this requirement if a person purchases an optional rider at an additional cost to cover these procedures.
• Health plans offered in the state’s health exchange only cover abortion if a woman’s life is endangered.
• Insurance policies held by public employees only cover abortions that are offered because a person’s life is endangered.
• Public funding is available for abortions only if a person’s life is endangered or if she is a victim of incest or rape.
• The parent of minors must consent before abortions are provided.
• Using telemedicine or medicine that is provided across digital locations to perform abortions is prohibited.

The Universal Life Church

The requirements that states place on women when it comes to abortion are constantly evolving. This case has the potential to influence just one of the many aspects of this complex topic. The Universal Life Church’s blog aims to describe the many developments in this field of law to keep our readers informed.

(image courtesy of John Mark Kuznietsov)