Missouri | Gov Parson Bans Abortion But Will He Abolish the Death Penalty?

On the heels of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, Governor Mike Parson wasted no time signing the Right to Life of the Unborn Child Act. And Attorney General Eric Schmitt signed a proclamation banning abortion in the state. This is according to a story from Ozarks First.

Yet, I'd like to know if life is so precious, is he willing to abolish Missouri's death penalty?

The Ozarks First story quotes Governor Parson as saying:

With Roe v. Wade overturned and statutory triggers provided in HB 126, we are issuing this proclamation to restore our state authority to regulate abortion and protect life. Thanks to decades of conservative leaders, Missouri has become one of the most pro-life states in the nation, and our administration has always fought for the life of every unborn child. Today, our efforts have produced what generations of Missourians have worked and prayed for: Today, we have won our fight to protect innocent life.

And while Governor Parson is quick to protect the life of the unborn, he's not so pro-life that he's inclined to save the lives of the criminals on death row. Just last year he declined to stop the execution of Ernest Johnson, an intellectually-challenged man convicted of murder in 1995. Other lawmakers, and even the Pope, asked him to show mercy in this case. This is according to The Missouri Independent. The State executed Mr. Johnson on October 5, 2021.

In fact, Governor Parson believes strongly in the death penalty. As Senator, Mke Parson strongly opposed abolishing Missouri's death penalty citing the support of victims' families and loved ones. At the time Governor Parson explained the disconnect between his pro-life stance and his pro-death penalty stance. This is from The Missouri Times:

As a pro-life advocate, I understand the sanctity of life. This is something different, though. These are brutal crimes where victims suffered. I will always stand on the side of victims and support the death penalty in Missouri. I appreciate the debate, but this issue comes down to a very personal sense of justice. For me, the choice is simple, the death penalty is an appropriate punishment for the worst crimes.

I have a hard time with anyone who talks about the sanctity of life and then is fine with the taking of a life. You're pro-life, or your not. Our Governor is not pro-life. He's pro-birth. No, he won't be abolishing Missouri's death penalty.

And yet I suspect he won't think very much about the pain he's causing women who have to leave the State to get a legal abortion or the hurt, pain, and trauma he'll cause women to have when they desperately take it upon themselves to try to end their pregnancy,

Abortion should be legal, safe, and accessible, which protects women from harm and death.

At least our Governor's consistent on one thing: a lack of compassion.

Source: ksisradio.com, Staff, June 25, 2022

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