On Wednesday the Missouri House passed HCS SS SB 749, which gives the state of Missouri standing in the courts to file suit against the HHS mandate that all businesses, including religious institutions and those affiliated with such institutions, provide coverage for services that are counter to the moral teachings of that religion.
“The mandate for religious institutions to participate in destroying innocent human life goes against the core religious beliefs of many faiths,” said Pam Fichter, President of Missouri Right to Life. “This attack on our religious freedom is in stark opposition to our first amendment right to practice our religion. Make no mistake, the attack by the Obama Administration has nothing to do with women accessing contraception but is an attack on the religious freedom guaranteed by our Constitution.”
In addition, this bill will protect pharmacies from being forced to stock any drug or device. This means pharmacy owners who are pro-life will not be forced to stock abortion causing drugs or drugs and devices that cause actions to which they are morally opposed.
“Missouri Right to Life thanks the members of all the Missouri House who supported this important legislation, specifically Representatives Crawford and Cox, who spoke eloquently in its defense,” said Fichter. “We urge the Senate to take up and pass this legislation.”