Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO) recently introduced a bill that affirms the “right to life” under the 14th Amendment to unborn children. The bill, called the “Life At Conception Act,” implements equal protection to those in the womb.
“Every life is a sacred gift from God, deserving of dignity and protection from the moment of conception,” Burlison said in a statement. “The Life at Conception Act uses Congress’ constitutional authority to define personhood, fulfilling our moral and legal obligation to safeguard the lives of the unborn.”
Burlison explained that the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization left the question of personhood unresolved.
“This Act fills that gap by making it clear that unborn children are human beings entitled to protection under the Constitution,” he said.
“I am strongly pro-life and will always fight to protect the lives of the unborn,” Burlison added. “My record is clear, both in Missouri and Washington, D.C., I have consistently voted to protect the life of the child and the health of the mother. I will continue to do so moving forward.”
In a statement on X, Burlison said his bill is a “bold step to protect life.”
At the state level, Missouri Republican Brian Seitz introduced House Joint Resolution 39, which prohibits abortions after a heartbeat is detected.
“Except in cases of medical emergency, a physician shall not knowingly perform or induce an abortion on a pregnant woman if the physician detected a fetal heartbeat for the unborn child or if the physician failed to perform a test to detect a fetal heartbeat,” the resolution says. The bill further calls for physicians to submit reports for each abortion that is performed.
