WASHINGTON –National Right to Life has endorsed pro-life Attorney General Josh Hawley in Missouri’s U.S. Senate election.
Hawley is challenging pro-abortion Sen. Claire McCaskill, who is seeking a third six-year term.
“National Right to Life is pleased to endorse Josh Hawley for the U.S. Senate,” said Carol Tobias, National Right to Life president. “Josh Hawley’s position on life reflects the true values of Missouri’s voters. Many Missouri voters will be shocked to learn that Sen. Claire McCaskill supports abortion for any reason – even late in pregnancy. Claire McCaskill’s extreme pro-abortion position is completely out of touch with the majority of the Missouri electorate.”
Josh Hawley supports the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act – legislation to protect unborn children by prohibiting abortion at 20 weeks, a point by which the unborn child is capable of experiencing great pain when being killed by dismemberment or other late abortion methods.
Hawley is challenging Sen. McCaskill (D), whose position on abortion is so extreme she has cosponsored legislation (S. 510) that would invalidate nearly every state and federal limit on abortion, and would force taxpayer funding of abortion and funding of abortion providers in Missouri.
During two terms in the U.S. Senate, McCaskill has voted against the pro-life position on abortion every chance she had.
She twice voted against the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. She supports using tax dollars to pay for abortion. McCaskill supports giving hundreds of millions of dollars of government funds to the nation’s largest abortion provider.
In 2017, McCaskill voted against the nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court, despite his outstanding qualifications, and most political observers believe that she is also likely to vote against the confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh, another outstanding constitutionalist nominated to the Supreme Court.
Josh Hawley opposes abortion on demand, and he opposes using tax dollars to pay for abortion. Missouri voters who are concerned with the right to life and with the protection of the most vulnerable among us should vote for Josh Hawley in November.
In a move that underscores the significant influence of pro-life advocacy groups in American politics, the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC) has officially endorsed Josh Hawley for U.S. Senator from Missouri. This endorsement comes with a clear opposition to the incumbent, Senator Claire McCaskill, signaling a pivotal moment in the race and highlighting the ongoing battle over abortion rights in the United States.
The National Right to Life Committee’s Endorsement
The NRLC, one of the oldest and most influential pro-life organizations in the country, has a long history of endorsing candidates who align with its mission to protect the right to life of unborn children. By endorsing Josh Hawley, the NRLC is backing a candidate it believes will advocate for stronger pro-life legislation and oppose measures that expand abortion rights.
Josh Hawley’s Pro-Life Stance
Josh Hawley, the Attorney General of Missouri at the time of the endorsement, has consistently positioned himself as a staunch pro-life advocate. His record includes:
- Legal Challenges: Hawley has been involved in significant legal challenges to protect pro-life legislation in Missouri, defending laws that restrict abortion access and promote alternatives to abortion.
- Public Statements: He has frequently spoken out against Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide, calling for its reconsideration and reversal.
- Legislative Support: Hawley has pledged to support federal legislation that restricts abortion, including measures to defund Planned Parenthood and ban late-term abortions.
In accepting the NRLC endorsement, Hawley reiterated his commitment to advancing pro-life policies and protecting what he describes as the most vulnerable members of society—the unborn.
Claire McCaskill’s Pro-Choice Record
Senator Claire McCaskill, a Democrat who has served in the Senate since 2007, has a contrasting record on abortion. She has been a consistent supporter of abortion rights, advocating for:
- Protecting Roe v. Wade: McCaskill has voiced strong support for maintaining the protections established by Roe v. Wade, arguing that a woman’s right to choose is fundamental.
- Access to Healthcare: She has supported measures to ensure that women have access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including abortion services.
- Opposing Restrictions: McCaskill has opposed efforts to impose restrictions on abortion at both the state and federal levels, arguing that such measures infringe on women’s rights and autonomy.
The Political Context
The endorsement of Josh Hawley by the NRLC is particularly significant in the context of the 2018 midterm elections, which saw heightened polarization on issues such as abortion. Missouri, a state with a strong conservative base, became a battleground for control of the Senate, with both parties recognizing the importance of the seat.
The Impact of the Endorsement
The NRLC’s endorsement of Hawley is expected to mobilize pro-life voters and increase support for his campaign among conservative and religious communities. The endorsement also brings with it the financial and organizational backing of the NRLC, which can be pivotal in closely contested races.
Reactions to the Endorsement
Supporters of Josh Hawley
Pro-life advocates and supporters of Josh Hawley have praised the endorsement, viewing it as recognition of his commitment to defending unborn children and advancing pro-life policies. They believe that Hawley’s election would lead to stronger pro-life representation in the Senate and potential legislative victories.
Critics and Supporters of Claire McCaskill
On the other side, supporters of Claire McCaskill and pro-choice advocates have criticized the NRLC’s endorsement, arguing that it represents a threat to women’s reproductive rights. They highlight McCaskill’s consistent record of supporting women’s health and reproductive freedom, framing her as a crucial defender of these rights in the Senate.
Broader Implications
The NRLC’s endorsement of Hawley and opposition to McCaskill reflect broader trends in American politics, where abortion remains a deeply polarizing issue. The outcome of the Missouri Senate race has the potential to influence national abortion policy, particularly in the context of a closely divided Senate.
Conclusion
The National Right to Life Committee’s endorsement of Josh Hawley for U.S. Senator from Missouri, coupled with its opposition to Claire McCaskill, underscores the pivotal role that abortion issues play in American political campaigns. As both candidates prepare for the election, the contrasting views on abortion rights will likely remain a central theme, influencing voter decisions and shaping the future of reproductive rights in the United States.
Daniel Miller is responsible for nearly all of National Right to Life News' political writing.
With the election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, Daniel Miller developed a deep obsession with U.S. politics that has never let go of the political scientist. Whether it's the election of Joe Biden, the midterm elections in Congress, the abortion rights debate in the Supreme Court or the mudslinging in the primaries - Daniel Miller is happy to stay up late for you.
Daniel was born and raised in New York. After living in China, working for a news agency and another stint at a major news network, he now lives in Arizona with his two daughters.
