3/13/2022

Progressive Christians oppose state anti-abortion bill

By Melody Cook

Some progressive Christians in Jackson County are opposing a Missouri anti-abortion bill, which is proposed to take effect in August.

Missouri House Bill 2810 would make it a felony to receive or provide an abortion when a fetus is more than 10 weeks of gestational age — including in cases of ectopic pregnancy. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ectopic pregnancies are never viable and, if left untreated, can lead to death. The bill is sponsored by Republican Rep. Brian Seitz. Since his election in 2020, Seitz has sponsored or co-sponsored four abortion-related bills. He has also been the pastor at his Baptist church for 12 years.

Blue Springs resident Carman Booker considers herself a “progressive Christian.”

“I see progressive Christianity as people who love God and believe in him and his son,” she said. “I believe Evangelicals have twisted the true teachings to fit whatever their narrative is at the time.”

Missouri lawmakers, she said, are not separating church and state.

“I respect other faiths and non-faiths, and that should never play a role in ruling a country,” Booker said.

Having had two ectopic pregnancies herself, one of which required life-preserving surgery, Booker called the bill “outrageous.”

“My body cannot hold a pregnancy and it isn’t my fault. It is a medical issue that I have tried hard to fix,” she said. “And knowing that I could be charged with a felony all while dealing with the emotional and mental anguish? It is insane.”

As a Catholic, Jennifer Keeton said she is against abortion, but she considers its legality a “necessary evil.” She said she worries even moderate Republicans will approve the bill, believing they are preventing late-term abortions. Keeton said she thinks it is unbelievable that the government would prevent a woman with an ectopic pregnancy from seeking life-saving care.

“How can you be pro-life and not care if she lives or dies?” she said.

Keeton said Missourians need to spread awareness of the bill and voice their disapproval to state representatives.

“They need to hear they should be concentrating on legislation that makes the state a better, safer place for women,” she said.

Valerie Fortel, who currently attends a Methodist church, said she also thinks Missouri’s government has a problem separating church and state.

“We have a lot of different faiths in our state,” she said. “At times, I feel some Christians believe they are the only faith that should matter.”

Fortel said she fears the bill would have dangerous ramifications if passed.

“I’m old enough to remember when the backstreet abortionists were whispered about — hearing about girls trying to abort a fetus using a hanger, a comb with a handle, or different items,” she said. “These will come back, and it will be terrible.”